The Effects of Climate Change on Employment Relations in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In this article, I focus on climate change in the context of employment relations in Zimbabwe. I seek to establish the relationship between climate change and employment through exploring the impact that climate change has on selected sectors and subsequently on the labour market. The literature reviewed established a link between climate change and employment relations as a significant number of jobs worldwide are dependent on ecosystems. A qualitative research approach was used to gather information relating to key economic sectors affected by climate change in Zimbabwe. The National Employment Councils on the identified sectors were selected using purposive sampling. In this study, I adopt a qualitative research methodology relying on face-to-face interviews with 21 respondents participating from a sample frame of 72 participants. The interview data collected from the respondents were analysed using a thematic approach and coding. The findings of the study indicate that climate change has led to unfavourable working conditions, a decline in productivity, loss of employment and gender disparities at the workplace. Consequently, worker rights and human rights issues arise necessitating the interrogation of the role of trade unions, the labour and climate legislation, related policies and institutions. The article brings out a new dimension in Zimbabwe’s employment relations as climate change issues in employment relations have not yet been fully explored. I recommend an integration of climate change and employment policies to facilitate justification and adaptation strategies which support an environment that is conducive to industrial relations.