Zimbabwe trade unions file complaint against Varun Beverages over alleged labour law violations 

ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has received a formal complaint against Varun Beverages Zimbabwe following allegations of serious labour violations raised by the Beverages and Allied Products Workers Union of Zimbabwe (BAPWUZ).  

The allegations were detailed in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by BAPWUZ secretary-general Runesu Dzimiri and addressed to ZCTU secretary-general. 

In the letter, BAPWUZ said the company had failed to facilitate trade union organising activities as required under Zimbabwe’s Labour Act.  

The union stated that on September 16, 2025, it approached Varun Beverages to submit membership forms and stop-order instructions to activate a check-off system in line with Section 54 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01]. 

The union also sought to notify management of its intention to hold a general meeting with employees in terms of Section 7(2) of the same law. 

“However, the company—through its receptionist and a Public Relations Manager, both of whom refused to identify themselves—declined to accept the documents, claiming that the responsible officer, the Human Resources Officer, Ms/Mr N. Nhimba, was in a meeting,” the letter said. 

Dzimiri wrote that the union made five follow-up attempts during 2025 but was repeatedly denied access. He added that another meeting was booked on January 5, 2026, for January 14, but the company later said communication had failed and proposed January 21 instead.  

“However, the proposal was turned down again with the company indicating that the union can only meet employees in March 2026,” the letter stated. 

Dzimiri said: “It is the Union’s firm view that Varun Beverages (Pvt) Ltd is violating provisions of the Labour Act, particularly those guaranteeing trade union rights, freedom of association, and the obligation to facilitate lawful trade union activities.” 

The union said it now suspects wider labour abuses may be occurring within the company. A source at Varun Beverages told New Zimbabwe that the workforce is largely employed through labour broking firms.  

“The total number of employees is an estimated 1,500 but we suspect that the majority are employed under some labour broking firms, leaving a very small number benefitting under permanent employment,” the source said. “In fact, approximately 90% of locals are on fixed-term contracts with just a paltry 10% being permanent employees. In comparison 90% of foreigners with close ties to the organisation are in permanent positions.” 

The source added that fixed-term contracts range from three months for general workers, six months for operators and one year for supervisors and junior local managers.  

The company is also accused of threatening workers against joining the union, with claims that some union leaders’ contracts were not renewed. 

Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of India-based Varun Beverages Limited, which began operating in Zimbabwe in 2018 and produces and distributes a wide range of beverages and snacks in the country. 

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