ZEWU President amongst the 135 workers suspended at ZESA

Union members were legitimately aggrieved by the disregard that ZESA has shown for the collective agreement reached in January this year. The agreement, which entitles workers of thee lowest pay grade to a wage increase from US$190 to US$275, was upheld in arbitration. However, management now claims that it is unable to afford the wage increase. 

Jyki Raina, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union,  sent a letter to ZESA, in which he says, “IndustriALL Global Union stands with our affiliate ZEWU in their demand that ZESA reinstates all suspended workers, including union leaders and institutes the bargaining agreement.”  

ZEWU President, Angelina Chitambo, who is also a member of the Executive of IndustriALL, has been particularly targeted for statements made to the press. Together with two other union leaders, she has been accused of inciting protest at ZESA, which is clearly a case of victimization of these unionists for carrying out their organizing duties.