By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Zimpapers has clarified that a directive restricting employees from engaging in outside income-generating activities is not a blanket ban on earning additional income, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) said after meeting the company’s executives.
The union said it raised concerns that the directive could unfairly restrict journalists and other employees from supplementing their incomes through activities such as podcasts, online shows, YouTube channels, digital broadcasts and MCing.
Management told the union that the directive was intended to prevent conflicts of interest and activities that compete with Zimpapers’ programmes, platforms, products or commercial interests.
“Management clarified that the directive is not intended to prohibit employees from earning additional income,” ZUJ said in a statement.
Instead, the company said its concern was with work that directly or indirectly competes with Zimpapers’ commercial interests.
“For example, management cited instances where Zimpapers employees participate in content that directly competes with programmes or commercial interests of the Group,” the union said.
Employees are also allowed to undertake MC work at weddings, corporate functions and other events provided the activities do not create a conflict of interest or compete with Zimpapers.
“Employees may MC at weddings, corporate functions and other events, provided such activities do not create a conflict of interest or compete directly with Zimpapers’ commercial interests,” ZUJ said.
The union welcomed a workshop organised by Zimpapers for employees in its broadcasting division to explain the directive and its implications.
Workers who remain uncertain about whether an outside activity constitutes a conflict of interest have been advised to seek clarification from the company’s human resources department.
ZUJ’s engagement with management also focused on the ongoing retrenchment exercise, with the union raising concerns over proposed exit packages for some affected employees.
Several workers were dissatisfied with the quantum of their packages and wanted to negotiate, ZUJ said.
“ZUJ once again wants to commend Zimpapers for its readiness to continue negotiating with affected employees to smoothen the retrenchment exercise to the satisfaction of both parties,” the union said.
The union said it would continue engaging management and affected employees to ensure the retrenchment process, including the calculation and payment of terminal benefits, is conducted fairly and in accordance with labour laws.
ZUJ said the discussions were taking place against the backdrop of significant economic pressures facing the media industry.
“Dialogue remains critical in resolving workplace disputes, particularly at a time when the media industry is facing significant economic pressures that need a united front to confront,” the union said.
Members were encouraged to seek clarification where necessary and continue communicating their concerns through the union.