As we approach the end of the second quarter of 2013, the labour market is awash with disputes. What are the factors that have led to these disputes? Also analyse the nature and types of these disputes.

It must be borne in mind that the labour market does not exist in isolation as it is linked to other markets in the economy. Changes in economic variables such as interest rates, rent, cost of utilities and other inputs into production trigger a response from labour and the labour market. The labour market itself also influences the behaviour of other markets through wages. Wage levels in a labour market give an indication to the pulse of the heartbeat of an economy. Where wages are in tandem with economic fundamentals the labour market will be in equilibrium, however where there is disequilibrium disputes are rife. In the case of Zimbabwe, the assertion that as we approach the end of the second quarter of 2013 the labour market is awash with disputes seems to hold water since the economy is in disequilibrium. The nature and types of these disputes and their causative factors will be dealt with in the discussion below.

To begin with a definition of some few terms will help in putting this discussion into perspective. “A dispute” means a dispute relating to any matter concerning employment which is governed by this Act (Labour Act, 2006:5). Another definition of a dispute is an argument or disagreement, especially an official one between for example, workers and employers or two countries with a common border (Cambridge Advanced Learners’ Dictionary: 3rd Ed. 2008). The two definitions are alluding to official employment arguments and disagreements. This means that these disputes are recognised by some authority hence official. They are therefore resolved officially and the resolution is enforceable by some recognised means.

The Labour Act goes further to