Zimbabwe labour movement bolstered through international solidarity

ZIMBABWE: The Special Conference of the ITUC was the largest international trade union delegation allowed into the country since 2002. Amongst the delegates who attended the conference were representatives from Zimbabwe trade unions, solidarity support organizations, national centres from Africa and abroad, Global Union Federations, ILO and ITUC.  

The ILO Commission of Inquiry is the second in Africa and the 12^th since the ILO was formed 90 years ago. The Commission of Inquiry confirms the veracity of the ZCTU’s allegations of repeated and severe trade union rights violations over a number of years.

The Commission of Inquiry recommends that Zimbabwe’s laws be brought into full conformity with the ILO conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining and that anti-union persecution must be brought to an immediate end. The Commission also recommends the establishment of an effective Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission; the full restoration of the rule of law; and rights awareness training for social partners and officials in key institutions such as the courts and security sector.  

The conference noted that whilst the Zimbabwe government had accepted the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, the labour movement would have to keep up pressure to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.

Addressing the conference the President of ZCTU warned the delegates that whiles it seems as if there are changes in the current government/system the situation for the workers has not changed at all, many workers are still not paid their wages and collective agreements signed last year are yet to be implemented.

Key outcomes of the conference are:

• Call for the withdrawal of all court cases against the ZCTU and demanded immediate halt to further harassment of trade unionists.
• Call for an employment-driven growth model with decent work at the heart of government policies with action that must be taken to reduce wage disparities and increase transparency in the economy to counter corruption and the misappropriation of national resources. 
• Pledges of international solidarity to stand firmly alongside the ZCTU and support its capacity to fully play its role as a leading force for justice, democracy and nation building. 
• Appeals to national governments, regional and international bodies, such as the African Union and SADC, to play their part in helping Zimbabwe achieve a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.

Zimbabwe’s independent trade union federation, ZCTU also appealed to the international community to continue its support to the Zimbabweans and to continue to put pressure through their government on the Mugabe’s regime.

A statement on the conference declares: "Success in bringing justice to Zimbabwe would be a major milestone in the struggle for democracy and workers’ rights in Africa and beyond. The courage and determination of the trade union movement in Zimbabwe remain an example and inspiration for working men and women around the world."