Zimbabwean metalworkers face grim future

ZIMBABWE: Operations of the National Engineering Workers' Union (NEWU) have been severely crippled in the wake of Zimbabwe's economic collapse that has left the country in utter ruin.

While violence against trade unionists and civil society partners has dramatically increased in the weeks leading up to and following the country's June 27 presidential election, an equally deadly force is threatening the workers of the country – starvation.

Inflation is reported at an estimated 2 million per cent, the highest in the world, followed by Iraq with an inflation rate of 60 per cent.  Unemployment is now more than 80%.  The country's capacity utilization stands at between 10 – 20 per cent, the lowest production levels in the history of Zimbabwe. 

NEWU, an affiliate of the International Metalworkers' Federation, reports that the decimated economy has had a devastating impact on the union and its membership. The union reports that:

• Companies are sealing down operations.
• Workers are walking out of their jobs because salary does not match the cost of reporting for duty.
• NEWU has closed two regional offices.
• NEWU has lost 5000 members in a space of 6 months, through company closures and resignations from jobs.
• All NEWU office computers are no longer working.
• NEWU failed to pay wages for its staff for the first time in its history.  Union subscriptions are not adequate because of inflation, low wages and low production.
• NEWU staff is not reporting for duty as normal collective bargaining now turns to "collective begging" because power from the membership is no longer there.
• Wages and salary negotiations are now conducted on a weekly basis.
• Work week has been reduced from 5 days to 3 days per week.
• Employers have canceled voluntary pension schemes.

According to NEWU president Japhet Moyo, "Mugabe's decision to conduct a farce election and declare himself a winner has plunged the metal sector into doom.  Sixty percent of our activities were for the farming community – all farming equipment.  Now that Mugabe wants to take manufacturing, like the farming sector he destroyed, some of us will be out of employment anytime soon."