The Beverages and Allied Products Workers Union of Zimbabwe (BAPWUZ) has written to the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), accusing Varun Beverages Zimbabwe of serious labour violations against its employees.
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, a local subsidiary of Indian multinational Varun Beverages Limited (VBL), produces and distributes PepsiCo beverages and snacks in Zimbabwe.
In a letter dated 22 January 2026 and signed by BAPWUZ secretary-general Runesu Dzimiri, the union raised several complaints, including the company’s refusal to allow trade union activities.
BAPWUZ said it first approached the company on 16 September 2025 to submit membership forms and stop-order instructions, requesting the implementation of the check-off system under Section 54 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].
The union also informed the company of its plan to hold a general meeting with employees, in line with Section 7(2) of the Labour Act. Wrote Dzimiri:
“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 union said they followed up five times in 2025, but were not given the chance to meet, as the beverage manufacturer kept giving different excuses.
On 5 January 2026, the union booked a meeting for 14 January 2026. However, on 15 January, Varun Beverages said there had been a communication failure and suggested rescheduling for 21 January 2026.
The union said the proposal was rejected again, with the company insisting that the union could only meet employees in March 2026. Wrote Dzimiri:
“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.”
It is alleged that the company employs around 1,500 people, but the majority are believed to work through labour broking firms, leaving only a small number on permanent contracts.
Reports suggest that approximately 90% of local employees are on fixed-term contracts, with just 10% holding permanent positions. By contrast, around 90% of foreign employees, many with close ties to the organisation, occupy permanent roles.
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