Together We Win – Celebrating Our Collective Victories
ZIBAWU’s strength lies in our members’ unity. Through collective action, strategic advocacy, and unwavering solidarity, we have achieved remarkable victories that have transformed the lives of banking and financial sector workers across Zimbabwe.
Wage Negotiations & Improvements in Working Conditions
70% USD Salary Payment
Employees are now paid 70% salary in USD vis a vis 30% in ZWG. This was a major development from a situation where salaries were paid in 100% ZWL despite the soaring inflation rates.
Fixed Term Contract Cap
Signed a collective agreement capping the renewal of fixed term contracts in the banking sector to a maximum of 4 years.
Legal Cases Won on Behalf of Members
Voluntary Retrenchment Agreements (2024)
Won voluntary retrenchment agreements in matters between ZB bank and First Capital Bank in 2024 which saw the banking sector retrenchment precedent being set at 2 months for every year served.
Retrenchment Board Cases
NMB, ZB and CBZ Retrenchment Board cases decided in favour of the employees. Again cementing the industry minimum retrenchment package.
Industry Dispute (2023)
Won an industry dispute during voluntary arbitration in 2023 which saw employees being awarded 15% salary increase on the minimum wage.
Karimazondo & Others v BancABC
Workers were finally paid backpay salary increases for a collective agreement that was entered retrospectively and after they had left employment. The reasoning being that they were still employed at that time the agreement was entered into.
Reinstatement of Unfairly Dismissed Workers
Multiple workers reinstated after unfair dismissal.
Verity Mutsamwira Case
Paid damages after unfair termination of employment and persistent campaigns against Stanbic.
Kupara & Others v NMB
Workers reinstated after the employer unlawfully terminated their contracts of employment on notice. Employer opted to pay damages instead for unlawful termination of employment.
Member Benefits Achieved
Partnership with Gershom Microfinance
The union has entered into a partnership with Gershom Microfinance to provide both an investment vehicle for employees that leave employment and short term emergency loans to members.
ZIBAWU Trust Project
The ZIBAWU trust project which has seen members obtaining residential stands in Harare, Marondera and Zvimba on flexible payment terms.
Solar Project
The solar project which aims at lighting up all members’ homes with immediate installation upon payment of zero deposit and flexible payment terms thereafter.
Major Policy Changes Influenced by ZIBAWU
ZB and CBZ Merger Challenge
Challenged the ZB and CBZ merger with the Competition Commission and the merger was stopped.
Sector Expansion
Inclusion of other financial sectors into NEC Banking, such as the microfinance sector.
Representation Expansion
The union now represents its members (in the building society and microfinance sectors) during negotiations in the Commercial Sector.
Milestones in Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment, and Training
Know Your Rights Module
We pioneered the Know your Rights module which is aimed at firstly seeking out members who can be capacitated as over educators and secondly disseminating information on employees’ basic legal rights.
Gender and Youth Policy
Crafted the Gender and Youth policy which are currently in use.
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Occupational Health and Safety Policy to ensure the prioritization of health and safety by both the union and the employment council.
Women Advisory Council (WAC)
Inclusion of more (WAC) Women Advisory Council members into the National Executive Committee, to encourage female representation and participation in leadership roles.
Other Successes Worth Celebrating
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General Secretary Achievement
Our General Secretary was the President of the Zimbabwe Congress of trade unions and Chairperson of Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe and also the current UNI Africa Finance President. -
National Organising and Legal Officer Achievement
Our National Organising and Legal Officer was elected as the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of trade unions. -
AGS Achievement
Our AGS is now a Bishop at this Church.
Key Statistics Summary
salary paid in USD (vs 30% in ZWG)
maximum for fixed term contract renewals in banking sector
per year served – retrenchment precedent
salary increase on minimum wage (2023 arbitration win)
for residential stands: Harare, Marondera, and Zvimba
for solar project installation
Ready to Protect Your Rights?
Join thousands of financial sector workers who have chosen ZIBAWU as their voice in the workplace. Enjoy legal representation, better wages through collective bargaining, funeral benefits, access to land and loans, training programs, and the power of solidarity.