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Voice of the Labour Movement Establishe d 1988 Issue No: 240 N OMRVE B E 1 20 9 Reg istered ta the GPO a s a Ne w spaper ZIMRATU launches How the world is 3 year strategic plan stealing Zim’s finest PAGE 6 rugby players PAGE 16 State withdraws ‘treason’ charges against ZCTU leaders

as union prepares for mass action THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is whipping up its structures and affiliates for a mass action in the next few days over the economic meltdown and deteriorating human and trade union rights situation in the country. Dates and the form of mass action are still under wraps but affiliates have since been advised to mobilise their members and structures in preparation for the clarion call. The fresh calls for mass protests came a day after the ZCTU President and secretary general Peter Mutasa and Japhet Moyo had charges of subversion against them were withdrawn by the state had been given the green light by the ZCTU's highest decision making body in between congresses, the general council. The council resolved to stage national protests after receiving reports on the state of preparedness towards action against poverty , the deteriorating and unstable macro-economic environment. The General Council noted that working people of Zimbabwe have suffered immensely as wages have failed to keep ZCTU Sec General - Japhet Moyo ZCTU President - Peter Mutasa pace with the inflationary trend. The situation has worsened rendering it practically impossible for workers across BY ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA workers and citizens to a stay away after and authorities disconnected internet all sectors to earn the current salaries and the government had unilaterally hiked services to the public to cut off sustain their families or be able to go to he state has withdrawn charges fuel prices. communication as part of measures to work. of attempting to overthrow a The stayaway which was supposed to contain information flow at the peak of The upward adjustment in fuel prices Tconstitutionally elected run for three days from the 14th -16 th of the protests. has had knock on effects on the prices of government that were being levelled January turned violent after a military The government then moved in and basic goods and services, worsening the against the ZCTU President and crackdown on protestors which left 17 arrested the organisers of the stay away impact of the already depreciating Secretary General Peter Mutasa and people dead hundreds injured and and Moyo who was not in Zimbabwe at exchange rate on the general level of prices. Japhet Moyo respectively for a calling incarcerated. Police and soldiers, the time of the strike call was arrested at Since the scrapping of the for a stayaway in January this year. responding to mass demonstrations also the Robert Mugabe International Airport multicurrency, despite government The two were arrested on separate used live ammunition on protesters. The on his return from China where he was propaganda, prices have remained high incidents following their clarion call for country was then shut down for a week attending an international trade union To Page 5 To Page 3 Page 2 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 DOCTOR’S STRIKE ZCTU demands Obadiah Moyo’s head

By Staff Reporter any genuine action as meant to are set to appear before topple it from power,” said the HE Zimbabwe disciplinary hearings. ZCTU. Congress of Trade Health Service Board The strike has seen the closure Unions (ZCTU) has chairperson, Dr. Paulinus T of almost all central hospitals, Sikosana, said more doctors are demanded the resignation of children's units, provincial the Minister of health Obadiah expected to appear for disciplinary hospitals and cessation of Moyo over his failure to hearings following the industrial emergency life-saving reasonably handle the doctor's action, which began on September procedures throughout the strike. 3, and has devastated state-owned country and the few doctors who In a statement the ZCTU hospitals. have remained at work are failing Secretary General Japhet Moyo “In line with section 4 of the to cope. said the labour body was greatly Labour Act (National “The continued strike by the disturbed by the government's Employment Code of Conduct), doctors is causing untold lack of seriousness in resolving the disciplinary hearings continue, suffering and unnecessary death its dispute with the striking whereby 516 out of 1,601 medical of ordinary Zimbabweans as the doctors. doctors employed in the public strike has paralyzed operations at Doctors have been on strike sector are expected to appear state-run hospitals. What is more for over 90 days and the ministry before the disciplinary tribunals,” worrying is that for the past 15 Obadiah Moyo of health has chosen to be 'tough' he said. years or so, doctors have been by firing the striking doctors He said the Health Service In September junior doctors striking almost every year the doctors rejected a 60 instead of responding to their Board has tried, in vain, to earned about 400 Zimbabwean without their issues being percent salary increase offered labour grievances and alleviate negotiate with the striking doctors, dollars ($33) as basic salary and an addressed. The strikes have by the government and pledged the suffering of many who have vowed to continue with "on-call allowance" of become an annual event, and the to press on with the industrial Zimbabweans failing to access the industrial action until their approximately 1,000 Zimbabwean government has been failing to action. healthcare. grievances are met. dollars ($83) a month. In October find a lasting solution,” said “The ZCTU observes with Moyo. sadness that Zimbabwe's public Doctors have been lamenting health system has deteriorated poor salaries and working significantly under the conditions and have said they are stewardship of Dr Obadiah incapacitated to go to work. They Moyo. In real democracies, the are also demanding that the Minister should have resigned salaries be indexed to the for failing to resolve this prevailing interbank rate and that impasse. It is in this vein that we government must fulfill its call upon Dr. Obadiah Moyo to promise to provide sufficient be man enough and call it quits,” drugs and equipment at the public said Moyo. hospitals. The government has not “These are genuine reason and shown its willingness to any reasonable government negotiate in good faith choosing would attend to these issues. to be confrontational and Instead of looking into the threatening the striking doctors grievances, the government has while ignoring their grievances. responded by dismissing some of The interference of the executive the doctors and threatening those into labour disputes is also a who dare join the strike,” said worrying trend which the ZCTU Moyo. views as a strategy to silence the The ZCTU demands that striking doctors. government urgently address the “Even President needs of striking doctors in order Mnangangwa was quoted in the to avoid further loss of lives and press warning the striking find a lasting solution to this doctors that the Government was perennial problem which has aware of external forces seen doctors going on strike year propping up their illegal after year. industrial action'. This is a The government has so far Doctors demonstrating over Dr Peter Magombeyi’s abduction. The abduction fueled the doctors’ paranoid government that sees fired about 500 doctors and more resolve to press ahead for better working conditions ITUC – Africa dismisses Zim government's human rights report to ACHPR Community that it was not government are that Zimbabwe judiciary has been consistent in dismissed most of the details ZIMBABWE government's consulted to participate and Republic Police members are the condemnation of the practices submitted by government arguing report to the African contribute to the development of overwhelmingly equipped with of torture. This point is made clear they contradict the exact situation Commission on Human and this Government report as provided human rights knowledge enabling in the celebrated case of State obtaining in the embattled People's Rights (ACHPR) for by the reporting conditions set them to deal with members of the versus Jestina Mukoko where the Southern Africa nation. apprising the continental organ out by this Commission,” ITU- public ethically. judiciary reiterated that no person “Chairperson, we desire that on the improvements made to Africa said. “So far we have trained 30 000 should be subjected to physical or this Commission extract a genuine date on human rights issues is a The continental labour organ police officers on human rights psychological torture, or to cruel, commitment from the misrepresentation of the said government's exclusion of key since January 2014. In 2018 alone, inhumane or degrading treatment Zimbabwean government to a situation on the ground, the incidents on rights abuses as 45 584 police details were trained or punishment.” follow-up process necessary for International Trade Union “deliberate and reflective of the in human rights including an Government's report claims the attainment of the effective Confederation (ITUC) Africa current state of intolerance to additional 7 220 who have been efforts have been made to implementation of the outstanding has said. critical voices and non-state actors trained to date,” Justice Minister guarantee freedoms of expression issues contained in the state report. The continental organisation, with dissenting opinions even Ziyambi Ziyambi told the and assembly following the recent “We desire to ensure that which represents 56 national when such opinions and Commission. repealing of the Access to Zimbabwe returns to the path of trade union federations with a suggestions are intended to Government said the events Information and Protection of normalcy, stability and progress. total membership of 15 million improve the situation of the rights associated with August 1 killings Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Public We are committed to genuinely workers from 45 countries, made of Zimbabweans.” were not sanctioned by the State Order and Security Act (POSA). partner our government and other the remarks in commentary The report, whose copy is in our and as such, must never be He also highlighted that it has stakeholders towards this task,” addressed to ACPHR possession, was prepared in classified as “an act of extra now become the norm to carry out the labour confederation said. chairperson. response to observations made by judicial killings” as has been public consultations prior the (Newzimbabwe.com) “We wish to reiterate the the ACHPR on its fact-finding alleged by some international implementation of policies and position raised by the mission 2006 visit. media forums. laws affecting the people. Zimbabwean Civil Society Part of the submissions made by Ziyambi said: “Zimbabwe However, ITUC-Africa 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 3 Mutasa blasts Ncube Social partners brace for 4th generation DWCP BY OWN CORRESPONDENT over anti-worker budget OCIAL partners are bracing for the fourth generation Decent Work Program (DWP) which is expected to achieve By Own Correspondent Sopportunities for work that is productive delivering a fair ZIMBABWE Congress of Trade income, security in the workplace and social protection for Unions (ZCTU) president families while offering better prospects for personal recently told finance minister, development and social integration among others. Mthuli Ncube in his face that the Speaking to The Worker recently, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade recently announced 2020 Unions national organiser, Michael Kandukutu said the program will national budget is anti-worker run over a four years period. and will exacerbate poverty “The DWCP for Zimbabwe 2019-2022 will serve as a framework among the country's workforce. to support government of Zimbabwe to achieve its national Mutasa made the bold remarks development policy, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, during the post 2020 budget October 2018 – December 2020 which aims to ensure fiscal breakfast meeting which was held consolidation, economic stabilisation, and stimulation of growth and at Harare International creation of employment,” he said. Conference Center a day after the According to the implementation of the DWCP will be undertaken budget presentation. by the National Steering Committee, which is a sixteen member Ncube and other high ranking committee, comprising the Ministry of Labour and Social Services ruling party officials were also and other key Ministries, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions present at the event where the (ZCTU) and Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), ZCTU president was not deterred with the ILO CO-Harare as the Secretariat. by the tense atmosphere and The Committee will also be charged with the responsibility to registered his displeasure. address operational issues relating to the DWCP, ILO interventions He said the post budget Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in Zimbabwe as well as plan or adjust concrete activities aimed at dialogue was different because unionists are used to dialogue pro-poor when we taste it on our budget is premised on illusionary assisting the constituents. with policy makers at very funny tables. stability and purported successes Thus, it will oversee the formulation and planning of projects and places either Chikurubi or at “Currently we can't buy bread, of the Transitional Stabilisation activities developed within the framework of the DWCP and to Remand prison. clothes and rentals but these were Program similar to approve projects before their implementation. It will also guide the Said Mutasa, “If they the major issues that we thought “kuzvifonera”(beating your own resource mobilization efforts. (government officials) do not will be addressed. We have seen a drum) . The committee will also oversee the work of the tripartite want to dialogue with us they send lot of complicated statistics in the “There is no stability minister, I structures created for the management and implementation of all the some guys with teargas and budget. We were expecting to see know you are a professor and if I technical cooperation projects, for example tripartite project canisters so this is a development figures on the numbers of people write an exam and say this advisory committees that is well appreciated where we who have dropped out of school economy is stable, you will Zimbabwe adopted the decent work agenda of the International are in a better place. I therefore because of austerity and the definitely fail me.” Labour Organisation in 2005 and has implemented it in three phases hope there will be freedom after previous budget but we did not get Mutasa said labour was from 2005-2008, 2009-2011 and 2012-2017. those,” he said. expecting the issue of currency to this speech.” Over the years, the focus of the country's Decent Work Country Mutasa said labour would have The labour president described be resolved and reminded the the national budget as “elitist and treasury boss that workers who Programme has been on growing the economy through sustainable appreciated the post budget enterprises and job creation for poverty alleviation, while upholding dialogue it if the process had bookish leaving out what the were earning US$400 before ordinary folk down in Nyanga and adopting the mono-currency international labour standards. started off with widespread In 2005, the country prioritised poverty reduction through consultations. Mahenge will think about it.” regime are now getting an He bemoaned the fact that the equivalent of US$ 40 while employment creation, and the fight against HIV and AIDS at the “With respect on behalf of workplace as well as strengthening social dialogue. In 2009, the labour there is nothing much for budget came at a time when the pensioners are getting US$5. country undertook a review of the first cycle which was instrumental workers and poor citizens, we take country is going through a second “Without national cohesion the mantra associated with this major economic crisis the first one and ownership, this budget is only in developing the second cycle. document as rhetoric since we having been in 2008. going to be guaranteed through the The review enabled the tripartite constituents to revise focus areas have heard it before. It can only be “We were therefore expecting a use of baton sticks, teargas and and the DWCP prioritised employment and poverty reduction, while paradigm shift, but worryingly the canisters,” he added. also giving attention to social dialogue and social protection. ZFTU SG backs ZCTU's vision, castigates State withdraws ‘treason’ government for anti-labour policies charges against ZCTU leaders By Own Correspondent ZIMBABWE Federation of Trade Unions politicians.” From page 1 withdrawal of charges against the two. (ZFTU) Secretary General Kenias He said politics in the long term does not The ZCTU reported the matter to the sustain an economy hence the need to be meeting and was charged with Shamhuyarira indicated to be in a major International Labour Organisation and simple and clear. subversion. He was remanded in paradigm shift when he delivered a speech the case was put before the ILC in June in support of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Added Shamhuyarira ,”Even as we prepare custody for two weeks at Chikurubi, the for the fourth industrial revolution we need a country's maximum security prison. 2019. Unions (ZCTU) while castigating President The ILO's Committee on the Emmerson Mnangagwa's anti worker situation whereby government must urgently On 15 January, police raided work towards retooling industry as well as Mutasa's home and destroyed property Application of Standards (CAS) found policies. Zimbabwe guilty of violating labour ZFTU, a rival unions’ making sure that and severely beat up his brother. Mutasa rights and went on to recommend that federation formed during the resources which lift the who was in hiding at the peak of the late former President Robert country's economy are protests fearing for life surrendered government accepts a high level Mugabe's tenure to counter well funded.” himself to the police and was also mission visit to follow up on progress of the ZCTU politically, has in Also speaking at the charged with subversion, his “crime” implementation of recommendations occasion, EMCOZ the past identified itself with was based on recording and circulating from the committee. The government executive director, Nester the ruling party ZANU- PF a video calling on workers to take part in however, rejected the request. policies. Mukweva said the future When CAS heard the Zimbabwe of work discourse is the protest action. But the remarks made by The arrests sparked outrage and the case, the International Trade Union Shamhuyarira at the national important because of the Confederation had raised all violations impending technology's government was condemned labour symposium on the internationally for failing to uphold concerning arrests of workers and their future of work held in the transformation. human and trade union rights leaders, dismissals of workers capital recently, proved the Said Mukweva representatives, deaths of protestors, ,”Critical questions on particularly the right to peaceful rival union has had a damage to ZCTU property, injuries of “Damascus moment” and is whether employers and assembly and association. employees going to be organised as they are Protest letters directed at President staff members and the delays to reform equally fed up of government's anti-worker labour laws among others. policies. today? This simply calls for the need to craft a Emmerson Mnangagwa flooded from th resilient social dialogue through the TNF across the globe from trade unions, The ITUC had ranked Zimbabwe 10 He predicted it will be difficult for among the worst violators of labour and Zimbabwe to move on with other nations into because the fourth industrial revolution is progressive governments and human rights. the fourth industrial revolution because of the coming against a background where there is institutions. Demonstrations were held current overwhelming economic problems. high unemployment, low productivity and at Zimbabwe embassies in some The ZCTU also took the matter to the Said Shamhuyarira, “For us to talk about power outages.” countries including Nigeria and United Nations Rapporteur on the Right the future we must talk about the past which ZCTU secretary general, Japhet Moyo said Botswana. to Freedom of Association and has been unfortunately bleak hence the big industrial revolutions are inevitable as International trade union bodies Assembly seeking intervention over the question is what dowe do now with the type of businesses try to improve productivity and including the ITUC, TUC, FNV deteriorating human and trade union enhance profits. leadership we have in the country? Mondiaal and Solidarity Centre rights situation in Zimbabwe. He said unfortunately these revolutions are “ The problems bedeviling the country's launched international solidarity Preliminary findings by the UN workers are being caused by a few individuals coming with far reaching changes to patterns Special rapporteur gave a damning and nature of production. actions to complement the ZCTU who are continuously muzzling us, including efforts demanding the unconditional employers who are connected to few To page 5 Page 4 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 The

Voice of the Labour Movement Comment 2020 Budget: Nothing for workers In the 'normal' days, Zimbabweans would look forward to the presentation of the national budget anticipating better provisions like tax relief, tax free bonuses. This was so because of the beckoning festive season. But this is no longer the same. The 2020 National Budget Statement presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube on November 14, 2019 under the theme 'Gearing for Higher Productivity, Growth and Job Creation' was one of those “damb squibs”. As noted by the ZCTU, the budget was not inspirational at all and there is nothing for workers. The tax relief measures proposed in the budget are nothing in real terms for workers are being paid peanuts to say the least. Spare a though for a farm worker who is earning ATDU Network promoting stronger unions less than $300 per month who is expected to buy in the same store with you and me? Three hundred dollars and better development policies in Africa can hardly buy five items these days. Prices have continued to rise while wages and Congress which was held in Dakar, network has been reinforcing the salaries are far way behind. Do our authorities ever Senegal in November 2015, with capacity of African trade unions on think how Zimbabweans are managing to pay for the aim of bringing the trade union several development-related food, transport, accommodation, education, health perspective into the international subjects. In relation to Agenda and social protection? development policy discourse, 2030 and Agenda 2063, our aim The Minister claimed that he is moving from especially in relation to their role has been to make African workers appreciate their role in the “austerity” to “prosperity” and that his focus is in implementing and monitoring implementation of both agendas, 'Gearing for Higher Productivity, Growth and Job the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). especially on holding their Creation”. The ATUDN's approach to work governments accountable for their We have heard this before, eve promises of is premised on four principles: commitments to decent work and creating 2 million jobs. He based his improved growth Alex Nkosi reinforcing capacity for African lifting millions of Africans out of on a favourable rainfall season, improved poverty. rom the 20 – 21 November trade unions in all matters macroeconomic stability through continued The network believes that 2019, trade unions from development; strengthening the austerity; improved electricity supply through people must be able to organise across the African continent critical role of research and policy imports and other alternative sources of power; F analysis in social dialogue; themselves (freedom of will gather in the Nigerian capital of supportive tax and non-tax incentives; continued ease association) through trade unions Abuja for the 4th Ordinary underlining the importance of of doing business reforms and investment. The man is to negotiate a living wage and Congress of the Regional evidence-based advocacy; and defend decent working conditions hallucinating. Weather forecasters have already Organisation of the International emphasising the cardinal role that on an equal footing with their predicted 'Normal to below normal” rains which we Trade Union Confederation (ITUC- partnerships play in advancing a employer (collective bargaining). all know by our experiences mean poor rainfall. With Africa). Held every four years, common cause. The network has held a number of little rains, where the hell does he think we will get congresses are a defining moment These four principles have been thematic workshops geared to electricity from? Kariba Dam is drying up. for trade unions in general, and by instrumental in advancing the strengthening the work on these What we need are realistic ministers who do not extension, the environment in network's work streams that twin agendas, and as a result, play with people's lives claiming budget surpluses which they operate. range from work on the African trade unions are when the country failing to provide basics like water As one of the oldest civil society aspirations of Africans as mainstreaming the SDGs into their and sanitation, proper health services, and electricity bodies on the African continent, articulated in the Africa Union's day-to-day priorities, are able to shortages is tantamount to murder. The Minister trade unions played a critical role in Agenda 2063, to ensuring that articulate their key 'asks', and can should wake up to reality! shaping the evolution and there is accountability in the also ably produce SDGs shadow developmental trajectory of involvement of the private sector country reports – a trade union modern Africa. For many years in development, work on South- SDGs monitoring tool that trade unions have represented the South cooperation and finally on complements the Voluntary interests of workers, while in some development financing. But it is National Reviews (VNRs) which are cases serving as avenues through the SDGs that have been the the official government reports on which leaders of public office biggest preoccupation of the the progress of SDGs receive training and are able to network. As a global development implementation. prepare for political office. framework, all the other work More importantly, the network But as the world of work streams fall squarely under its The has identified various ways to undergoes massive and tentacles. advocate and communicate its continuous changes – most of The ATUDN has also priorities more effectively at which undermine the tenets of established working relationships national, regional and global The Worker is published by the decent work – the trade union with various multilateral levels. The network has also Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions movement has to change its rules institutions such as the World carried research on a number of 2nd Floor, Gorlon House, of engagement if it is to remain Bank, the United Nations, the pertinent issues, from effective and relevant. Our remit is European Union, the Southern 7 Jason Moyo Ave development effectiveness to a no longer limited to better working Africa Development Cooperation, P.O Box 3549, Harare yet-to-be-published nine-country conditions and to engaging with the East Africa Community and the TEL/FAX 04-749256 study on the state of African Trade employers and governments. Economic Community of West www.theworkerzimbabwe.com Unions to research on South-South African unions are now also calling African States (ECOWAS), to name and triangular cooperation. into question and confronting the but a few. Through these While the year 2015 was pivotal EDITOR fundamental issues that foster networks, spaces for meaningful LAST TARABUKU in setting the global sustainable income inequality, poverty and the policy dialogue have been [email protected] development agenda, it also neoliberal onslaught against established and policy occasioned the heightening of the workers' rights. perspectives from ITUC-Africa reconfiguration of development REPORTER It was in this context that ITUC- have been sought on several ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA financing in the context of the Africa passed a resolution to create important issues pertaining to [email protected] SDGs. The script goes like this: the Africa Trade Union development. Agenda 2030 is an ambitious Development network (ATUDN) Capacity building and research during the last ITUC-Africa For the last four years, the To page 13 2019 NOVEMBER, THE WORKER PAGE 5 ZCTU warns gvt over wage, price freeze ZCTU pushes for additional powers to the Labour Court for enhanced BY Staff Reporter

he ZCTU has warned the social justice in labour matters government against Tpushing for a wage and price freeze as it battles to contain runaway inflation which he ZCTU has proposed the establishment of a labour has eroded household incomes division within the Supreme Court and conferment of and left many employees unable Tadditional powers to the Labour Court to enhance the to afford transport costs to get to dispensation of social justice in labour matters. work. In a letter to the Minister of labour, the ZCTU urged the labour Information minister Monica minister to urgently engage their justice counterparts to expedite the Mutsvangwa, during a post cabinet issue. briefing early in November said “As you are aware in our labour law reform principles, we agreed to government was putting review the powers of the Labour Court so as to give it power to enforce measures to "contain loss of the its own decisions and confer it with additional powers like the power workers purchasing power and to issue declaratory orders, interdicts etc,” wrote the ZCTU. request worker representatives to The ZCTU said there was serious miscarriage of justice as provide three nominees to attend a judgments were not factoring in the social justice component hence Tripartite Negotiating Forum Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the need for a specialised labour division. (TNF) Technical Committee government’s intention to introduce income and prize freeze 'Kindly note that the multiplicity of courts handling labour disputes workshop.” is a cause of concern among workers and amounts to forum seeking "The workshop is aimed at workers are incapacitated,” tweeted inflation figure stood at 175.6 causing un necessary delay of labour justice and clogging of the coming up with a Social Contract the ZCTU. percent before Finance Minister Magistrate and High Court case rolls. The application of different that is aimed at bringing the parties The plight of workers and Mthuli Ncube banned publication rules governing different courts is also a cause for concern as to a common position…This may citizens has been worsened by the of annual inflation figures saying unsophisticated workers are not able to comply with the rules of the result in the freeze of incomes and introduction of several financial they were reflecting the truth of magistrate and High Court,” said ZCTU. prices," said Mutsvangwa. policies largely from February 2019 prices on the ground. The labour body proposed that labour cases must be dealt with and The ZCTU reacted to which have triggered uncertainty Retailers and service providers be completed by the labour court except where an appeal is in the Mutsvangwa's utterances with a and instability in the financial sector are however resisting the banning Supreme Court and constitutional court. warning that such an agenda at TNF thereby fuelling inflation. the use of multi-currency system “We are of the view that the Supreme Court must be force the ZCTU to call for protests. Month-on-month inflation stood and when they are not charging in administratively divided so as to have a labour division with judges “Any discussion at the TNF on at 17.7 percent in September 2019 US dollars, they are indexing prices who are specialised in labour law and international labour standards. wage freeze is tantamount to while year-on-year inflation, which to the prevailing unofficial We note over the years that decisions of the Labour Court which are murder in this hyper-inflationary is no longer officially published, is exchange rate while the majority of premised on the notion of social justice lie on appeal to the Supreme environment. We will not only estimated to have reached over 400 workers continue to earn in local Court that largely administer common law principles save where the reject that agenda but also ask percent in the same month. currency. statute is clear,” said ZCTU. workers to stop going to work. All The last official year-on-year THE ZCTU cited the famous Don Nyamande and Kingstone Donga vs Zuva Petroleum case in which the Supreme relied on the common law principle and ruled in favour of termination on notice. BY ADMORE MARAMBANYIKA The ruling triggered a carnage and more than 27000 workers had their ...... as TNF partners disagree on key issues contracts of employment terminated within a week without adequate compensation. Employers terminated them on two weeks' salary for By Own Correspondent in the wake of price hikes,” said the Confederation of Zimbabwe every year served as compensation. Employers took advantage of the source (EMCOZ) 37th congress held in provision to offload long serving employees who would have been DISUNITY continues to haunt She explained that government's Bulawayo last month that there has well compensated. the country's social dialogue representatives were more been no progress on the negotiating Parliament had to intervene with the enactment of the Labour platform, Tripartite Negotiation interested in the issue of health platform due to the lack of trust Amendment Act No 5 which provided for compensation in retrospect Forum (TNF) after delivery and due to the differences, among the tripartite partners and to cushion the affected workers from the injustice they had suffered as representatives from labour , the meeting could not proceed. lack of consultation by government. a result of the Supreme Court ruling. government and business Added the source, “So the He pointed out that social “The granting of additional powers to the labour court and a abandoned a recent meeting representatives could not proceed partners are not consulted and are specialised Supreme Court labour division will help in the over failure to agree on priority with the meeting because taken by surprise when policies effectiveness of our courts in dispensing social justice for socio- issues. government did not bring such as Zim Asset and TSP are economic development,” said ZCTU. A TNF insider who spoke to background papers on the announced by government. The Worker on condition of discussion topics, prompting the Even EMCOZ president, Israel anonymity said the platform adjournment of the meeting before Murefu told the same congress on COLA for catering industry continues to face challenges in discussion because the government the need for more consultation by deliberating key issues affecting representative could not provide government particularly in the BY GIFT KAPEKO the country's workforce. concrete solutions on issues raised crafting of statutory instruments. imbabwe Catering & Hotel Workers Union (ZCHWU) “Representatives from labour by labour and government.” He said, “So many statutory employees have been awarded a Cost of Living Allowance tabled an agenda on the need to President Emmerson instruments are being crafted by the (COLA) back dated from 1st September 2019 up to the 31st urgently resolve the current Mnangagwa launched a legislated authorities without the input of the Z December 2019. persecution of union leaders by TNF in June this year but the other parties that is business and government while business The allowance shall be paid to every employee in the particular class platform has not made any labour. It is like the country is being of establishment irrespective of grade, occupation or length service. representatives set the agenda on meaningful progress since then. run on statutory instruments.” the discussion centered on recent $304.00 shall be paid for employees in Class 2, $342.61 for employees Zimbabwe Congress of Trade in Class 1 and $384.69 for employees who fall under Class 1a. The least government's economic sabotage Unions president Peter Mutasa told accusations of their constituency paid employee in the Industry will now receive a total of $750.00 per employers at the Employers' month; basic pay will be $321.00, transport allowance of $70.00, housing allowance of $55.00 and COLA of $304.00. ZCTU prepares According to the COLA agreement the minimum wages for each State withdraws ‘treason’ charges against ZCTU leaders class of establishments and allowances shall remain unchanged, and no for mass action From Page 3 deductions such as pension fund, council levy and trade union shall be report of the new dispensation's iron-fisted rule. made from the COLA. Parties to the agreement agreed to review wages From Page 1 and salaries if the economic environment continues to deteriorate. Presenting his preliminary report at the conclusion of his 10- beyond the reach of many while inflation day visit to Zimbabwe, UN Special Rapporteur on Peaceful continues to go up. The General Council Assembly Association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule criticised 435 doctors fired over strike so far reiterated its call for wages and salaries to the deployment of the army and police during peaceful protests. imbabwean doctors who have so far been fired has be paid in the United States Dollars or its “The involvement of defence forces in managing assembly equivalent at interbank market rate. reached 435 as government remains unmoved to the contradicts the guideline for the policing of assembly by the protracted industrial action by its hospital staff. Hopes for change had been pinned on enforcement officially in Africa as they provide that military Z Acting Information Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu said the the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) forces must only be used in exceptional circumstances and only sacked medical practitioners were at liberty to reapply if they still but it has proved to be in a false start as if absolutely necessary,” he said. partners are not agreeable to issues that “I beg the government to amend laws that are not in line with wished to be reengaged. need to be attended to urgently. the constitution and to make use of independent institution “The strike by the doctors over conditions of service has now Labour is petitioning for an end to the which are designed to facilitate the exercise of human rights and gone beyond 77 days,” said the government Minister. harassment and torture of trade unionists, reports in order to make sure that human rights are enjoyed by all “A total of 480 disciplinary cases have so far been heard, an business wants government to retract the that are in the jurisdiction,” he added. additional 149 doctors have been found guilty and discharged and 'terrorist' label it tagged on business as the cumulative total of doctors discharged is 435.” prerequisites for genuine dialogue while In the course of the year, while on routine remand the two Only 45 doctors have been found innocent, said the minister. government wants to press ahead ZCTU leaders have been subjected to serious threats warning The disciplinary hearings will be concluded on the 27th of negotiating basing on its newly them against making any 'unreasonable' decisions or actions November. introduced policies which business and within their work mandate. “Government will not rescind its position on the fired labour are agreeable that they are not They received death threat letters accompanied with live working. doctors,” he said. bullets, threats on text messages with one of the messages Despite the sackings by government, doctors have defiantly threatening to rape Moyo's young daughter. stuck to their job action. Page 6 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 UNION BRIEFS Zimratu launches strategic plan document FFAWUZ affiliates new sector union unionism as workers are currently feeling the pinch of the 4th industrial BY STAFF REPORTER revolution threatening job and THE Food Federation and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe income security. (FFAWUZ) has bagged another affiliate, the Brewing and Allied Officially launching the Workers Union to increase its sector unions to nine. strategic plan document, FFAWUZ general secretary Runesu Dzimiri said his federation ZIMRATU President Dominic was slowly achieving its growth targets. Manyangadze said if you don't plan “At our last congress we were mandated to increase membership you are planning to fail. from five sectors and from 2015 we have managed to rope in four “We are reformulating and more new sectors into the FFAWUZ family. Our target now is to have refocusing our vision in the labour a huge presence in the food sector as the lead union. The Brewing movement. We have made a sector comes in as a critical sector with a huge potential. Though it is commitment which we are going to still in its infancy FFAWUZ is prepared to nurture it into a giant,” he use to measure our performance. said. This document will be used up until He said the food sector has huge potential and FFAWUZ was now the next ZIMRATU congress. We working towards increasing membership in its sector unions. have looked at a variety of issues, “We have a challenge of multiplicity of unions within the food scanned the environment for the industry. These unions are always scrambling for membership and our threats. We have looked in all drive now is to go for membership servicing and retention. We have directions and our findings are in made some strides in some sectors where our sector unions command this strategic plan,” he said. huge numbers and we are now focussing on the same where we are He said all budgets and actions lagging behind. We cannot afford to relax,” he said. of the national executive should Dzimiri said FFAWUZ's presence at the shopfloor and the various speak to the strategic plan adding capacity building and educational programmes the federation has that in light of current challenges, been carrying out for workers have boosted workers confidence in the the union needs to foster strategic union. alliances with other like minded “There were some workplaces where FFAWUZ had become very organisations in the country. unpopular but through continuous engagement we have managed to The union now has a new vision, sanitise our image and the workers now appreciate the union. From mission and running from 2019- those companies we have harvested membership and shall continue Strategic plan document launch 2022. to respond to the needs and aspirations of workers accordingly,” he Its new vision reads “A said. BY STAFF REPORTER Vimbai Zinyama, who facilitated formidable force in championing the drafting of the strategy at the the rights and interests of The Zimbabwe Revenue and union's last national executive workers in Zimbabwe and ZCTU GBV Education & training manual finalised Allied Workers Trade Union council meeting said the union had beyond” (ZIMRATU) has launched its managed to reach the first milestone “We now need to respond to BY STAFF REPORTER strategic plan for the period 2019 towards building a stronger union. violations within the country and he ZCTU Education department has finalised the Gender to 2022 that would guide the “You have had a congress and the even outside the country,” said Based Violence Education and Training Manual. union's operations and provide process you have put together needs Manyangadze. to be worked on. I trust that come T direction for transitional The new union's mission now The first draft of the manual was completed in May last year and mechanisms to take the union to 2022....you will be here and more reads “To Safeguard, Promote, the final writing and editing process was completed last month at a another level. would be following the union as a Advance And Protect The two-day workshop in Mutare. The three year strategic plan was result of the implementation of this Constitutional Freedoms, Needs, The process analysed the content, relevance and flow of the 1st drafted at a workshop which ran strategy. Now that you have reached Interests And Rights Of ZIMRATU draft with a view to enrich and make it more user friendly. The manual from 29 January -2 February 2019 this stage we have achievements to members through constructive will be a tool to be used by the ZCTU and its affiliates in combating attended by the elected national expect and some work to do to engagement and in solidarity with GBV at the workplace and in the communities. executive members committee create a formidable force out of the labour fraternity.” Main objectives of the manual would be to examine the extent of leaders, regional representatives ZIMRATU. As you nurture each The success factors key to the the problem of GBV in the workplace, trade unions and communities and staff members following the other and grow, value the strategic plan include increased and offers remedies. It also has aspects of the new ILO instruments on union's November 2018 congress commitments that you have made to membership, mainstreaming of violence ZCTU GBV Education & Training Manual completed and st and 1 national executive meeting this document for yourselves, the democracy and good governance harassment, Convention 190/19 and Recommendation 206. The of January 2019 which resolved to union and the country at large,” she and empowerment for employees manual also explores the role of trade unions in the elimination of have a strategic plan. said. among others. GBV Facilitating at the launch, ZCTU She urged the union to focus on PAAED head of department its future and the future of trade Civil servants demands to be paid in forex BY STAFF REPORTER ZCTU Gweru district restructured ivil servants have expressed dismay over new budget provisions which require workers to pay import duty in foreign currency and are now demanding to be BY GIFT KAPEKO C paid in forex. he ZCTU Gweru district has Through the Apex Council which represents civil servants, restructured its committees after losing responding to the budget a few days after Finance and Economic Tmost committee members through Development Minister Mthuli Ncube presented the 2019 termination on notice which left the structures National Budget, civil servants have expressed their displeasure. depleted. The Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants unions The district women's and main committees were was dismayed by Mthuli Ncube's decision to cut the bonuses of operating with a skeleton staff because most of the civil servants without any consultation. elected committee members contracts of The Apex Council was also particularly irked by the decision employment were terminated on notice during the to introduce foreign currency only duty for motor vehicles and Chidyasiku era. other goods, and as a result, has demanded that the civil servants Fresh elections for gap filling were held to should also be paid in foreign currency in order for them to be enable the committees to run smoothly. Gweru district women's and main committee elections able to enjoy these goods as well. were held on the 24th and 26th September 2019 'If workers are going to pay duty in forex then it follows that respectively. Enitha Nyati from Zimbabwe Security salaries should be paid in forex. This proposal can only entail that Guards Union (ZISEGU) was the retaining officer Moses Gwaunza ZCTU Gweru District Chairperson civil servants will not be able to buy vehicles and some unmentioned stuffs,” reads the statement. during the Gweru District Women's elections. as the Gweru District chair and was deputized by Melphina Rumbidzai Gadzani from Zimbabwe Amalgamated Gwabeni from ZUCWU. Bernard Sibanda was elected the Railway's Union (ZARU) was elected the district secretary and Precious Mujere from National Chairperson, deputized by S. Ngwenya from Mining Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ) was Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers Union elected the vice secretary. The previous district secretary (ZUCWU). The other elected executive members Eustina Kamuka from ZESSCWU was elected the district of the district women's committee were; I. Mutema treasurer while David Tsanana from Zimbabwe Catering & secretary from ZISEGU, C. Moyo vice secretary Hotel Workers Union (ZCHWU) and Roseline Madondo from ZUCWU, B. Macherera treasurer from were elected organizer and deputy organizer respectively. Zimbabwe Education Scientific Social and Cultural The elected committees attended an orientation Workers Union (ZESSCWU). Elected organizers workshop which was held at Empumalanga Lodge in were T. Mashonganyika and S. Chikumba. Gweru on the 9th and 10th October 2019. At this While on the other hand Noel Mano from workshop committee members were equipped with tactics Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trade Union and skills on how to run workers events in the district. (ZCATWU) presided over the elections of the (Print Version) Gweru Main District Committee where Moses Gwauza from Commercial Workers Union of Zimbabwe (CWUZ) retained his previous position 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 7 ZCHWU shopstewards rejuvenate union popularity in Victoria Falls six categories of hazards could be modules were influenced by the identified at their work need to create and develop an environments and went on to organiser who would be an all- discuss the principles of hazard rounder and were satisfied that control focussed on control at the workers in the Victoria Falls source where the hazard is region were empowered. emanating from,' he said. He said trade union organisers He added that participants at the shopfloor level are the first were also capacitated on how they line of defence for workers and could deal with grievances and any first encounter of the union at fundamental rights violations the workplace should be through utilising the legal instruments an organiser who has been recognised within the hotel and thoroughly capacitated. catering industry to achieve “Our view is that the training decent work. managed to change the face of the. “The industry suffers from Victoria Falls region when it serious decent work deficits and comes to trade union organising the topic proved to be very and recruitment. The pilot popular. The discussion on the experience will now be replicated decent work agenda ended up in the different regions where the highlighting recommendations union commands membership. that could be implemented in The first such training will be in order to ensure that workers Bulawayo in the third week of achieve decent work provisions October going forward.” which included the need to make “That was shown by the reports social dialogue a practical tool to we got during the course of the build consensus on contemporary training modules as participants issues such as unemployment went about implementing the playing particular attention to work plans which they developed youth employment and the gender during the course. Some of the issues and a review of collective ZCHWU shopstewards’ certification workplans entailed that he bargaining agreements to reflect participants addresses and shares Bargaining, Leadership skills, new issues for negotiations,” he The participants had managed to with the colleagues some of the said. BY STAFF REPORTER recruit 173 members during the 3 Organising techniques and course contents. That has also effective Effective Organising. Kandukutu said of the 18 only The Zimbabwe Catering and Hotel month period which reflected the seen the multiplier effect of Module Two which was from one participant dropped out due to Workers Union (ZCHWU) has effectiveness of the training. information transfer and sharing,” 15- 18 May encompassed Trade some management trained identified members with “The recruitment speaks for he said. Union organising(Walking the responsibilities which he had been strength and ability to lead and itself that the programme has been He said the trainees understood road), One on one organising allocated. better represent the workers and the effective. We need to maintain the and managed to define concepts conversation, Negotiating The programme was financed trade union in the Victoria Falls momentum and continue to engage and principles of the subjects. techniques, Occupational Safety by the Fagligt Faelles Forbund region who underwent a three and train membership at all times to “In OSH, Interestingly the and Health (OSH) walk through (3F) which availed two trainers –phased, week long training maintain the much needed visibility participants indicated that all the survey and Identification of OSH from Denmark. (Print Version) programmes per month. of the trade union in the Victoria hazards The phases offered different Falls region. If resources permit we The last module was conducted facets of trainings focussing on intend to roll out the programme from 23-26 July covered ILO conveys industrial worker education and building countrywide,” he said. Occupational Safety and health, working class unity, power and He encouraged tea work among Accident investigation, collective education. union members in the face compensation and rehabilitation, revolution through art Speaking at the last phase challenges that were affecting the Fundamentals rights of workers, HE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has taken the training the ZCHWU Acting country, the region and the trade Participation and democracy, awareness on the impending fourth industrial revolution through General Secretary Enock Mahari union. The first module which ran from Organising strategy, Decent Work Tthe lens of art after its recent efforts of rewarding artists producing commended the participants for Agenda, Gender issues in the world informative pieces on the subject. putting to action the knowledge 14 -17 March 2019 covered topics The five winning artists who pocketed US$ 3 000 each include Martina of work and sexual harassment they had gained over the previous that included trade union Gruber who scooped the best photography award, Wadzanai Tadhuvana Chief programme facilitator phase trainings. organisation, trade union shop (poetry), Webster Mubayirenyi (Illustration & painting), Daniel Chandimhara steward, Labour law, Collective Michael Kandukutu said the ((music) and Victor Nyakauru (Mix & Other Visual). Speaking at the awards ceremony which ran under the theme, th “Appropriately so , as you join us At this Fast Forward ; The Future of Work in a Cote d' Ivoire to host ILO's 14 African Regional Meeting Green Economy Competition of the Arts” ILO country director , Hopolang its second century,” he said. Phororo described the awards as the first of a kind. By Own Correspondent Ababa Declaration, the progress She said , “The event is the first and one of its kind bringing together artists made by countries over the last four Ryder said these preparations were th from across Zimbabwe showcasing talent around the future of work through THE 14 African Regional Meeting launched following the discussion of years regarding the implementation varying lenses of visual arts , performing arts, literature and a combination. his report to the 102nd Session of the is set to held in Cote d' Ivoire's capital of the Decent Work Agenda in the “Credit goes to the government of Sweden for supporting the ILO to fulfill a city Abidjan during the first week of light of the 2030 Agenda for Conference in 2013 entitled crucial and necessary task through creating green, decent and sustainable jobs December and high level guests from Sustainable Development as well as “Towards the ILO centenary: in a nation endowed with so much sunshine encouraging innovation since a the continent's 54 countries are the African Union Agenda 2063. Realities, renewal and tripartite business as usual approach no longer works,” she said. expected tackle labour related issues Particular attention will be given to an commitment.” The ILO director said a hundred years ago, jobs sufficed but hundred years bedeviling Africa. integrated mix of policies conducive “ I said in that Report: “The later, the landscape has changed with jobs evolving at a rapid pace occupying The high level convention which to the implementation of the Decent lessons of the ILO's past are that its different spaces. brings together the political, Work Agenda and more specifically future depends on constant renewal Added Phororo, “The ILO recognises the transforming world of work economic and social actors from to promote inclusive development, in the face of evolving realities and .Greening of economies was unheard of in the past, today, it is a buzzword countries of the region at four year full and productive employment, and the active commitment of its tripartite unsurpassed sustainable practices and clean technologies are imperative.” intervals coincides with the global decent work for young women and constituency to unchanging values Also speaking at occasion, Sport Arts and Recreation Commission organ's centenary celebrations. men in the current and future labour and goals,” he said. secretary, Thokozile Chitepo urged stakeholders to appreciate the economic “As decided by the Governing Body markets. Ryder said the ILO's centenary has contribution of the creative industry. of the ILO in November 2018, the ILO's Director General, Guy provided the opportunity for renewal, Said Chitepo,” The cultural and creative industries is a critical sector in the Zimbabwean economy matrix, it creates jobs and grows the economy. Between 14th African Regional Meeting will Ryder said the event comes at an with special focus on and taking as its 2002 and 2015, the contribution of the creative economy globally grew from take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire opportune moment. unifying theme the future of work from Tuesday, 3 to Friday, 6 which means a future of work with $208 million to $509 billion. “The 14th ILO African Regional “For Zimbabwe, according to the United Nations Educational Scientific December 2019. The Meeting will be social justice in a continent which has Meeting (ARM) brings together the and Cultural Organisation Country report, the sector contributed 6.98 % to the developed socio-economically. attended the ILO's tripartite tripartite constituents in this special Gross Domestic Product. constituents from the 54 countries of Centenary year which also coincides ,”With Africa's 1.3 billion Zimbabwe adopted the decent work agenda of the International Labour Africa as well as representatives of with the 60th year of the ILO's inhabitants – a largely young and Organisation in 2005 and has implemented it in three phases from 2005-2008, international organizations, presence in Africa. The timing of the energetic population – the continent's 2009-2011 and 2012-2017. intergovernmental and non- meeting is also particularly steady economic growth has been, Zimbabwe is set to implement the fourth generation of the decent work governmental, invited by the significant, coming as it does at the and is, driven by the dynamism and program. Governing Body,” said ILO in a culmination of a process in which the vigour of its people, displaying In 2005, the country prioritised poverty reduction through employment statement. organization has been considering the immense diversity, creativity and creation, and the fight against HIV and AIDS at the workplace as well as The agenda of the Meeting is to transformative changes taking place innovation. The continent is also strengthening social dialogue. In 2009, the country undertook a review of the discuss, on the basis of the Director- in the world of work and how best to endowed with a plethora of natural first cycle which was instrumental in developing the second cycle. General's Report and the 2015 Addis prepare itself and its constituents for resources,” Ryder said. Page 8 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 ZCTU holds women’s rights symposium BY STAFF REPORTER “It was important for reflection Winning rights for women is about on ZCTU's gender initiatives, more than giving opportunities to he ZCTU has held a policies and women empowerment any individual woman or girl; it is Women's Rights programmes as well as those of the also about changing how countries TSymposium to sensitise country and to discuss challenges and communities work. It involves working women on their rights, that are derailing us from changing laws and policies, analyse current challenges and achieving gender equality. winning hearts and minds, and assess the impact of the fourth Women's rights are fundamental investing in strong women's industrial revolution on human rights and must be organizations and movements,” marginalised social groups. respected and enjoyed by all. said Moyo. The symposium discussed the These rights include the right to The delegates from TUCOSWA role of women in the changing live free from violence, slavery, said Zimbabwean women and world of work, assessed and discrimination; to be educated; their Eswatini counterparts were vulnerabilities and came up with to own property; to vote; and to facing the same challenges hence strategies for empowerment in the earn a fair and equal wage. That is the need for close cooperation for prospects of women losing more to say, women are entitled to all of the exchange of ideas and jobs as the fourth industrial these rights. Yet almost solidarity on issues of women revolution creeps in. everywhere around the world, rights and elimination of gender Held under the theme “Break women and girls are still denied based violence at the workplace the glass ceiling: Create Change in them, often simply because of their and in society. the world of work” the symposium gender,” he said. The Ministry of women affairs sensitised women of the obtaining He said the theme, “Break the representative said it was time for rights, challenges causing Glass Ceiling: Create Change in women to focus on becoming inequalities, impact of gender the World of Work” reminds us of more productive and taking up based violence and the fourth many obstacles that women and leadership positions. industrial revolution and its other marginalised groups have to “Where women are productive impact on the rights of women, cross in order to claim their space. the nation prospers. Your theme is youths. “It is evident that the operating in tandem with the ministry's 50 - The symposium drew space is not even, hence there are 50 objective on representation and participants from the SADC serious inequalities, gender based it is important to note that we are region with the Trade union violence and discrimination all focussed on the same congress of Swaziland (Eswatini) particularly in the workplaces. challenges affecting women as TUCOSWA in attendance. He said Zimbabweans are faced stakeholders. Challenges include Locally the ministry of women's with serious hardships as our the burden of unpaid care work affairs was represented by Faith socio- economic environment which hinders their participation Bhunu and the Women Aids continues to deteriorate spurred by in most facets of life and sexual support network (WASN) had two austerity measures coupled with harassment which debilitates representatives. cash shortages, high taxation and against fair participation in the Speaking at the workshop high prices of basic commodities world of work. We now need to Mama Africa - ZCTU women after showcasing ZCTU secretary General Japhet and police brutality have become strengthen measures against GBV their modelling skills at the symposium Moyo said the symposium was to the order of the day. through clear policy formulation, by a drama play performed by discuss the status of women's “Women have been on the workplace gender based violence compensation, sanction and Savanna Trust drama club which rights including those of young receiving end as they are burdened and its effects. deterrent sentences,” she said. performed a drama which outlined people and people with with care work and other dual The symposium was spiced up disabilities. responsibilities in the homes. the levels and circumstances of FFAWUZ embarks on targeted recruitment BCC employee sent on 3-year leave By Own Correspondent BY JOKONIAH MAWOPA membership of at least 13200. organising phase targets in an hour (five-day) working week In a memo to the Regional endeavour to achieve the set growth to clerical assistant on a 39 Bulawayo City Council Organisers the FFAWUZ General of 10 percent by December 2019,” hours 10 minutes working week he Food Federation and employee has been sent Secretary said the union intends to he said. with effect from 1 October Allied Workers Union of on a three- year leave to fortify its position in the industry The strategy has three objectives A 1993. He had been working for Zimbabwe (FFAWUZ) compensate for overtime worked T 44 hours, five days a week from and was focusing on intensive which are to increase income for the has embarked on target based for 25 years. membership recruitment. organisation, to increase union 1 October 1993, to 19 April organising to increase its The employee Lizwelethu “Having reviewed our visibility and to ensure membership 2018 when the error was membership. Ncube accumulated 5 387 hours of organising strategies and targets retention. discovered. During its annual review overtime after he has been working for the year 2019 during the As part of the strategy FFAWUZ “The staff member has been workshop in May 2019 FFAWUZ a 44-hour week instead of a 39 FFAWUZ review workshop it is facilitating registration of sector obliged to work 44 hours per set annual membership growth hours 10 minutes week as from becomes imperative that as a unions in the food industry. five-day week as his job was target of 10 percent both for October 1993. The irregularity was department we set short term The Federation has so far strategic as it entailed the affiliates membership and general discovered by the local authority targets in order to meet our yearly facilitated the registration of a manning of the front office membership. If achieved by end of last year. targets. In pursue of this we have union for the Brewing and which was pivotal to the various the year FFAWUZ would have at According to information employed a new strategy of setting Distilling sector. operations. Following his least 10 affiliates with active obtained from council reports, the promotion there was an municipality opted to grant Ncube 1 omission of aligning his 036 vacation leave days instead of “Capacitate Citizens To Stand Against Dictatorship,” – ZCTU working hours resulting in the compensating him in monetary member of staff working terms. overtime of 4 hours 50 minutes “Mr Ncube joined BCC on 11 per week from 1 October 1993 October 1983 as a labourer, he was to 19 April 2018,” reads part of promoted from labourer on a 44- the report. Organising precarious workers in Africa From Page 11 imports. The union also adapted its structures. It developed specific trainings for self-employed tailors, such as seminars on new trends in fashions and financial literacy, and began to address their problems. It also prioritised education and capacity development for female members as a way of promoting women's participation in the union. They amended the constitution to increase women's involvement in leadership structures at all levels of the union, aiming at a target of 40% women representation. This was a big step up for the self-employed tailors in comparison to their older associations, which lacked political influence. Showing a union membership card, on the other hand, diminished police harassment significantly. This allowed the associations and the unions The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union, the largest workers union in Zimbabwe has said that citizens to recruit thousands of self-employed tailors countrywide. have to be capacitated to defend themselves against state brutality. Organising locally in global industries The Union speaks after state police violently dispersed MDC supporters who were gathered at their party A lot of ink is spent discussing the impact of globalisation on local headquarters in Harare where party leader, Nelson Chamisa was delivering his Hope of The Nation Address. workers, but reports on how those workers fight back are rarely seen. Posting on Twitter, ZCTU suggested that it was a waste of resources to train security personnel. The Union However there is plenty of movement there if one cares to look. What's said: “Wasted resources. We always argue that instead of wasting resources on perpetrators of violence and especially important to see is how trade unions change when they begin brutality against citizens, better use those resources on the victims. Best way forward is capacitating citizens to advocate for informal workers as well. They often become 'hybrid' for them to stand against the dictatorship. organisations, which include different forms of organisations and blur 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 9 Time out for pension payout reviews

BY STAFF REPORTER review of pension payouts by both private Apension funds and the government is now long overdue as the meagre stipends being paid out can no longer sustain yester year labourers in the current hyper inflationary environment. Life after work is proving to be difficult with some pensioners receiving as little as $30-00 per month, with private pension funds largely guilty of underpaying. The payouts can hardly sustain a person for a day considering that the family food basket hit $RTGS1 684, 45 as at July 2019. This is despite that the pension funds would have made huge investments from workers' contributions over the years but the payouts are not correspondingly Bank queues have afflicted pensioners forcing them to spend days waiting to access cash reflective. report. Nzenza told the media that have never been pro poor no matter decision to raise the cap of According to the insurance and Membership rose from 118,564 government was in the process of how much you contribute; the insurable earnings for NSSA Pensions Funds commission as at 31 March to 120,378 as at 30 coming up with decent pension contributor is always the loser. The contributions. (IPEC) pension funds have posted June spurred by 3,209 new entrants payouts. Pension houses are there to make “When NSSA raised the huge profits from investments in outweighing exits for the quarter. She said the government was profits at the expense of workers or contributions to a 4 percent, and the first half of 2019. Membership The total membership for also looking at ways in which contributors. The existence of board removal of an insurable earning has also increased within the same registered occupational schemes banks could ease challenges of Trustees then left a lot to be cap, NSSA payouts were now period. excluding NSSA and was 798,400 currently being faced by desired as some of them allowed the going to be higher than the Private “During the six months ended as at 30 June 2019, increasing from pensioners in accessing their management or employers to abuse Occupational Pension Schemes. 30 June 2019, stand-alone pension 793,618 members reported as at 31 payouts. Pensioners have pension funds only to discover that That move did not go down well funds reported a surplus of $130.70 March 2019. The increase was complained over the unavailability their funds have been abused at the with Pension Houses which million compared to $62.71 mainly a result of new entrants of cash from banks which time of need for a pension payout,” quickly summoned the then million for the corresponding totalling 9,385 members for the sometimes force them to wait for he said. Minister of Finance Tendai Biti period in 2018. The relatively quarter. several days to access the few He added that the majority who reversed the decision. The higher total income was on account While IPEC contends the dollars. employers have not been remitting current position obtaining at NSSA of higher investment returns,” pension industry had been saddled ZCTU health and occupational contributions to the Pension is that those on a higher pension reads part of IPEC 2019 second with several challenges including safety head of department Nathan administrators leading to the payout were those who retired quarter report. low values caused by Banda attributed the low pension majority of pensions not being paid before reversal by the then Total membership for stand- hyperinflation and dollarisation in payouts to misplaced priorities by up upon retirement for contributors. Minister of Finance pitting the alone pension funds increased February 2009, change of benefits pension houses. He said private occupational majority of pensioners to low from 335,394 as at 31 March to from US dollar to RTGS in June “We have a situation whereby pension schemes were very payouts,” said Banda. 336,127 members as at 30 June. 2019, late payment of benefits and pension houses prioritise exploitative in nature as they have IPEC instituted an inquiry on IPEC attributes the increase to new lack of expertise on the part of investments at the expense of opted for a Defined Contribution pension lost value whose entrants totalling 2,340 members, trustees to safeguard member paying better payouts to yesteryear (DC) Schemes whose risk transfer is recommendations have called for of which 1,571 were joining the interests analysts feel the pension contributors. on the contributors giving the pension houses to pay contributors Clothing Industry Pension Fund. funds are short-changing Commenting on the issue, employers an advantage. Most their lost pension value. “Self-administered funds beneficiaries by continuing to pay ZCTU head of safety and health Private Occupational Schemes have Local laws force pension reported a surplus of $870.81 as at meagre payouts when they are which covers the social security migrated from Defined Benefit (DB) houses to invest 50 percent of their 30 June 2019. The surplus was posting huge profits. portfolio, Nathan Banda said the to DC schemes. capital in public institutions that higher than the $57.58 million At the moment National Social differences of the schemes were “Defined Benefit Schemes made generally are loss making entities. reported for the same period in the Security Authority (NSSA) the major handicap to pensioners it mandatory to pay a pensioner his Banda said the investment laws year 2018 and was mainly driven pensioners are getting $80 while getting meaningful payouts from pension at retirement again based on on pension and social security by fair value gains amounting to survivor pensioners get $32. pension houses. an agreed formula as opposed to needs to be reformed to safeguard $656.08 million. Resultantly, the The government has indicated “First and foremost we need to DC,” he said. pension investments and the value sector reported total income of that it plans to review pension differentiate between the various Banda also blamed the low of payouts. $945 million for the 6 months payouts. Public Service, Labour pension schemes. Private payouts to former minister of ended 30 June 2019,” reads the and Social Welfare Minister Sekai Occupational pension schemes finance Tendai Biti who reversed the Ncube sets aside $300 million for decent work NSSA reviews pension payouts their implementation. It will By Own Correspondent food deficit mitigation got $1 BY STAFF REPORTER was carried out by NSSA over the past few also guide the resource FINANCE Minister, Mthuli billion. months. mobilization efforts. Ncube managed to set aside The DWCP will be The National Social Security Authority Following the ravaging inflation The committee will also be $300 million which will go undertaken by the National (NSSA) has reviewed upwards pension wiping away the buying power, responsible to oversee the towards the implementation Steering Committee, which is payouts following an outcry over the pensioners were severely affected as they work of the tripartite of the Decent Work Country a sixteen member committee, meagre stipends the authority was could not access cash for days after structures created for the Program (DWCP) in the comprising the Ministry of dishing out to the majority of pensioners. travelling to the cities. Some pensioners management and 2020 national budget. Labour and Social Services The lowest earning pensioners will be had to sleep in bank queues for days Speaking during the and other key Ministries, the implementation of all the getting $200, up from $80. technical cooperation waiting to access cash. budget presentation recently, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade In terms of the current compensation The recent currency reforms left the the treasury boss said the will Unions (ZCTU) and projects, for example tripartite framework for NSSA, pension payouts project advisory committees. pensioners worse off as the local be extracted from Labour Employers Confederation of depend on contributions, since there is a depreciated against the US dollar most Ministry's total budget. Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), with Zimbabwe adopted the ceiling on payouts, the highest-earning decent work agenda of the pension houses have not reviewed their “Out of the $2.4 billion the ILO CO-Harare as the pensioners are getting about $2 000. payouts accordingly to retain the value allocated to the Labour Secretariat. International Labour “The minimum pension has moved from Organisation in 2005 and has they had during the multi currency era. Ministry $300 million will The Committee will also $80 to $200 starting from this month,” said Most pensioners are on the defined go towards the be charged with the implemented it in the phases NSSA senior benefits officer Rodwell from 2005-2008, 2009-2011 contribution (DC) schemes whose implementation of the responsibility to address Jariremombe during an Insurance and benefits fluctuate on the basis of operational issues relating to and 2012-2017. Decent Work Country Pensions Commission - ZimSelector investment earnings. the DWCP, ILO interventions However, over the years , Program while food for work workshop recently. On the other hand, a defined benefit in Zimbabwe as well as plan or Zimbabwe Congress of Trade program will get $50 NSSA's Accident Prevention and pension plan assures a specified pension adjust concrete activities Unions has criticised treasury million,” he said. Workers' Compensation Scheme has also payment, lump-sum or combination aimed at assisting the for allocating paltry funds Ncube allocated $500 been reviewed upwards. thereof on retirement that is constituents. Thus, it will towards welfare expenditure million towards harmonised “Our funeral grant, which is given when predetermined by a formula based on the oversee the formulation and while prioritising non- cash transfer, Basic one passes on as a result of a workplace employee's earnings history, tenure of planning of projects and productive portifolios like the Education Assistance accident, has also been reviewed upwards service and age. Module $450 million, activities developed within security sector. from $300 to $2 000,” he added. management information the framework of the DWCP He said the review followed the system $10 million while and to approve projects before completion of an actuarial evaluation that Page 10 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 National Labour Symposium on the future of work, stakeholders find common ground

implored on the importance of Workers in Zimbabwe today class unity as trade unions face many challenges but they brace themselves for the future are not insurmountable, social of work. He said the future dialogue is the key,” she said. work was an unavoidable The Regional desk officer for revolution whose predecessors Africa, ILO, Dr Mohammed left profound impacts on the Mwamadzingo presented on the world of work creating a big ILO centenary declaration capital gap between the rich 2019, themed Advancing Social and the poor which needs to be Justice , Promoting decent closed through close work: and the role of trade cooperation. unions. ZFTU Secretary General In his exhibition he outlined, Kennias Shamhuyarira said it the impact of the 4th industrial was important to focus on the revolution driven by cultural current situation affecting changes, Zimbabwe before looking into demographic change, the future. He said workers globalisation, climate change, were facing several challenges digitalisation, automation, threatening their livelihoods artificial intelligence, robotics that require urgent attention. etc. “We need to encourage He said the 4th industrial thoughtful and responsible revolution is breaking barriers leadership. It must be put to and boundaries and the ZCTU President Peter Mutasa addressing the symposium government that it needs to start innovation pace will result in 81 to seriously fund industry and percent of jobs under threat in 20 retooling efforts to jumpstart years. He further mentioned productivity,” he said. that, there were certain Speaking at the symposium, mitigatory strategies needed in ILO Harare Country office preparing institutions for the director, Ms Hopolang Phororo future. said the future of work Mwamadzingo said presents serious challenges of flexibility had a huge impact on capital inequalities whereby workers and workplaces making the rich will become richer and it difficult for trade unions to the poor will still lag behind organise. since the internet of all things “Implications for the worker, will highly benefit the business. flexi-work destroys the “It is important that we workplace and it would be collectively reflect on how the difficult to organising workers, fourth industrial revolution can uncertainty on income and be an opportunity to catch up on inequality in distribution of the world of work. If we do not incomes with only a few we risk being left behind, the beneficiaries would be rife. world around is moving at a Trade unions will have to find rapid speed and we risk being ways to fit in the environment of the looser in the common the future working places, the global market therefore . To trade union will also need to trade union leaders present develop new forms of collective every voice of the millions of bargaining so as to strengthen its Part of the local and international delegates to the symposium hard working Zimbabweans capability in the future. will play a role in building the It will have to redefine the By Staff Reporter affecting workers and citizens and the Zimbabwe Federations future of work that employer, redefining Zimbabweans want. As the organising and would also need he recently held has been highlighted by the of Trade Unions (ZFTU) with world of work changes so the to broaden mandates to include national labour call for unity of purpose growing calls for unity among need for workers' organisations those which are beyond the symposium on the among stakeholders. stakeholders as a pre requisite T Held under the theme 'The for the success in securing a to adapt and remain fit fort workplace to managing future of work that was a purpose …. today and for the disparities for human needs. brainchild of the ZCTU to Future of Work -Towards a better future of work for the resilient social contract” the next generation of workers. future. bring together all labour She said there was need to stakeholders to discuss and symposium closed ranks ZCTU President Peter among labour unions, ZCTU Mutasa, in his opening remarks prioritise social dialogue and find solutions to problems the spirit of tripartism. Job cuts looming as companies volumes decline BY ALOIS VINGA 2019, Dairibord Holdings said price National Foods Limited group more affordable commodities, with Corporation Limited which adjustments made were below the chief executive, Michael Lashbrook groceries mainly rice and salt recorded a 48 % lager beer volume ORKERS across the depreciation in exchange rates. said his company suffered a huge closing 47 percent down. decline in the first half of 2019 country's economic The company said the decline when compared to He added,” Snacks and treats owing to the erosion of disposable sectors are likely to lose W environment is envisaged to remain yesteryear. were 37 percent down and stock incomes. jobs in the coming year owing to a fragile and uncertain making it “Volumes were very subdued, feeds 25 percent down. The Maize Chamber of Mines report critical decline of sales volumes difficult for businesses to implement closing 36 percent below the same category was the least impacted, released early this month currently being reported by their growth plans as the supply of period last year as sustained with volumes for the quarter closing established that key minerals are Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed electricity, water and foreign inflation further restrained 5 percent below the prior period, as expected to record declines in companies. currency is expected to remain consumer spending power, subsidies on raw maize assisted with output growth. Various financial reports on the constrained. impacting volumes across all maize meal affordability, driving “Mineral output prospects first half of 2019 reveal that “Under such circumstances, the categories. Flour volumes were consumption.” survey findings show that key consumer purchasing power has company will focus on the survival most heavily impacted, closing 50 Market watchers believe that if minerals are expected to record declined at the back of a weakening and hold strategy. Given the percent below last year, on the back trend insists, companies will be left declines for selected key minerals Zimbabwe dollar being used for aforesaid challenges in the operating of intermittent supply and increased with no choice except to cut down on ranging as follows: gold between - salary payments at a time when environment, sales volumes for the cost of wheat,” he said. jobs and maintaining a sizeable 5% to -35% ; platinum 0% to -7%; prices of goods and services are second half are expected to be lower Lashbrook said volume workforce which is in tandem with diamond -30% to -40%; chrome - indexed against the US$ parallel than what was achieved in the first performance in the remaining cash flows. 10% to -20%; nickel -2% to -10%) exchange rates. half of the year,” said the company in categories was largely reflective of The situation has been the same and coal -10% to -40% ,” said the Presenting the financial a statement. consumers down-trading in favor of for beverages manufacturer, Delta document. performance for the first half of 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 11 CHILD LABOUR ZCTU MOVES TO CRAFT DISABILITY POLICY $1 a week: “We are at a Crossroads! Unite, Fight Neoliberalism and Austerity” the bitter poverty of child sugarcane workers in Zimbabwe

THE GUARDIAN has since quit his farm job after hildren as young as working for a year without pay. seven are doing Sihlangu, who now works as a Chazardous work for herd boy, told the Guardian that his meagre sums on sugar employer had denied him his plantations wages. “I had to leave because I The blistering sun beats was working for nothing. He mercilessly on the Mukwasine promised to pay but never did. sugar plantations near Chiredzi, in Children are being used here and south-east Zimbabwe. It is Sunday it's not fair. Kids my age are being morning and the soothing sound of ill treated in these plantations hymns reverberate from a nearby because of desperation.” church. Mukwasine, a sugar plantation For most of the children living largely made up of farmers who near the estate, it is time for resettled under late president Sunday school and listening to Robert Mugabe's 2000 land reform Bible stories. programme, has seen the practice The ZCTU is working towards formulating a disability policy. The process has seen the ZCTU conducting But for Tapiwa Mumverenge*, of child labour grow in recent a consultative workshop which was attended by workers with disabilities. The workshop was the first to nine, it is another day of toil. In years. have material in brail in response to the needs of visually impaired workers. tattered clothes and worn-out According to a US Department plastic shoes, Tapiwa emerges of Labor report published in Organising precarious workers in Africa from lofty stacks of sugarcane. September 2018, children in Despite his age, he has worked for Zimbabwe engage in the what they Worker organisations in Africa are beginning to cross the past six months at the define as the “worst forms” of child plantation. labour, including mining and the divide between the formal and informal economy. He was just seven when he first agriculture. he labour market is a key Workers are divided and put in system leads to a market structure had to find work, after both his The report notes that the institution for shaping the competition with each other, of thousands of atomised work parents died in 2017. Now Tapiwa deterioration of Zimbabwe's economy has contributed to an Tdistribution of resources making collective action difficult. units waging intense competition works to feed himself and his in an economy. This is true for The trigger that led the outsourced under self-exploitative practices. elderly grandmother. increase in child labour. Lack of two reasons. First, wages are an workers to unite behind a common They speed to get more runs into a Drenched in sweat, he furiously access to basic education may also increase the risk. important source of income for demand was, according to the day and overcrowd the buses in swings his makeshift blade, most individuals. Second, the researcher Thomas Englert, order to meet quotas and compete hacking at sugarcane plants twice The lucrative sugar business has been rattled by an upsurge in wage relationship is a key site of amendment 198 of the South for clients. his height. contestation over the resources African Labour Relations Act. To overcome these divisions “I've never been to school. This cases, with the government threatening to begin an that are produced. This makes agency workers the workers formed an association is all I do,” he tells the Guardian in However, in Africa the employees of the client after three and paid a formal visit to the a shy voice. “I am helping my investigation. “We are worried. The ministry industrial working class is very months of work. For the first time established transport union, the grandmother. If I don't do it, we much a minority of wage earners. outsourced workers had the Communication and Transport will die of hunger. My is concerned with such a development because we are Instead, what you have are quite possibility of direct employment Workers Union of Tanzania grandmother does not want me to flexible classes of labour. What I with Heineken, a prospect which (COTWUT). This meeting, go hungry, so she encourages me to signatories on the conventions on the rights of the child. We also have mean by this is that while people raised their expectations and led according to Matteo Rizzo's book work. It is tough, I get sick still need to sell their labour power a programme which we are running them to pursue their common on the subject, triggered a process sometimes.” – either directly on a wage labour to end child labour. We will do as a interests. where these two distinct Tapiwa is joined in this market or indirectly through some matter of urgency an investigation The precarious workers at the institutions went about “building a “maricho” (menial work) by his form of product market – into the case to ensure the Heineken plant were already shared notion of the exploitation grandmother. They both earn $2 categories like 'worker', 'peasant', protection of these children,” members of the traditional Food faced by Dar es Salaam's transport (£1.5) every fortnight. 'employed' and 'self-employed' are labour and social welfare minister and Allied Workers Union, but this workers and a strategy to address This goes towards buying food fluid. Sekai Nzenza told the Guardian. did little besides collect it”. The strategy was three-fold: and soap. “I would want to go to This presents a unique Zimbabwe Sugarcane Farmers subscription fees and intervene in first, they shared in detail their school one day so that I [can] buy challenge for organising labour in Development Association some individual cases. The union working reality; second, my grandmother what she wants,” Africa, however groups of chairman Edmore Veterai says his also kept the permanent and COTWUT contributed funds for Tapiwa says. precarious workers, NGOs and association prohibited farmers precarious workers separate, organising; and third, they This is life for the poorest some trade unions are trying. I from hiring children. refusing to let them organise employed transport workers young boys at the plantations. would like to present three case “We hear this now and again. common meetings. The workers themselves to promote the Mukwasine farmers have been studies to illustrate this We always say people should give finally found a way forward when association at a street level. criticised for underpaying development. First, labour broker us evidence. People who come … they met with staff from the Casual It was only after they labourers who constitute a critical workers at Heineken's brewery in for work always come with their Workers Advice Office, a South established the link with part of the sugarcane industry in South Africa illustrate how children, which does not relate to African NGO, who helped them to COTWUT that they managed to Zimbabwe. In cane cutting season, organising in the formal sector the farmer. mobilise through the newly formalise their association and local farmers want cheap, casual takes place while “working under “It is strictly prohibited to use amended Labour Relations Act. extend their scope, building a labour. conditions of informality”. children under the age of 18 This helped the workers to unify campaign for employment rights Across the field, a group of Second, Tanzania's dala dala around the demand for (contracts). They made use of the children take turns to hold a fishing because our sugar will be called workers – informal minibus “blood sugar”. Since we sell our permanence rather than competing union's political connections as net in a pond, hoping to catch drivers and their assistants – against each other. They formed a well as the occasional threat to sugar around the world, it will not kapenta fish for dinner. They have demonstrate workers' efforts to workplace forum based on free paralyse the city in order to put look good on us,” Veterai says. all worked on the sugarcane farms. challenge informalisation in the membership and transparent pressure on local governments In May Zimbabwe ratified the During school holidays the public transport sector. And third, decisions taken in open and, by extension, on the bus protocol of 2014 to the Forced young labourers work in the cane informal tailors in Nigeria give us assemblies. With the help of the owners. As their campaign grew, Labour Convention, fields for a meagre $10 per month. a good look at how formal and advice office, the workers they engaged with a range of demonstrating its commitment to “If I need schools fees, I have to informal workers can come deployed a mix of strategies that relevant national government combating forced labour in all its go for maricho,” says one. “Our together under a single textile included using the law, limited departments – to stop the state forms. parents cannot afford books and workers' union. I conclude by strike action, and a media from criminalising their efforts – An estimated 168 million other things we need for school so emphasising the hybrid nature of campaign to pressure the employer and forged alliances with children engage in some form of we have to work hard.” the forms of organisation that are to change. likeminded groups. work globally, with 98 million in The monthly wage for cane forming on the periphery of the In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the The National Union of Textile, agriculture and 12 million in workers is $180, according to the labour movement in Africa. privatisation of the public Garment and Tailoring Workers of manufacturing and industry. Progressive Agriculture and Allied Organising through the transport system fragmented Nigeria lost 40,000 members Sub-Saharan Africa has the Industries Workers' Union of realisation of common interests existing work into an intricate between 2000 and 2016 in the face highest number of child labourers Zimbabwe. The Heineken plant in South system of small owners, drivers, of massive retrenchment in the in the world – 59 million children Children of Tapiwa's age work Africa does not directly employ and conductors. Those that have textile industry, as a result of between the ages of five and 17 – without protective clothing in the everyone who works there. Only assigned buses have more or less intensified international with the International Labour plantations, infamous for diseases the highly skilled workers engaged steady employment, while the competition. To re-fill its ranks the Organisation estimating that more and dangerous snakes. in the brewing process are directly others take what work they can union began to recruit traditional Last year, a young girl, a pupil than one in five children in Africa employed. Everyone else comes find. Considered as self-employed self-employed tailors on the basis at Hippo Valley High School, was are employed against their will in from employment agencies. These workers, the drivers, conductors, of certain common interests – the burnt to death in a fire in a exploitative or hazardous work, companies compete for contracts and their assistants must pay the need for cheap electricity and sugarcane field in Chiredzi. such as at quarries, farms or mines. with Heineken by lowering wages bus owners daily rent and then water, and regulation of foreign Moses Sihlangu*, 14, says he *Names have been changed to and increasing workloads. share whatever little is left. This protect the identity of the children. To Page 8 Page 12 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 Right to collective bargaining

his article will look at what (ii) to promote economic collective bargaining is and the competitiveness; and Tlegal implications of its (iii) to promote economic and registration mainly in the context of environmental sustainability; and Zimbabwean law. The article will (iv) to mitigate the cost of living.' specifically look at collective bargaining There are a number of fundamental agreements negotiated by workers obligations during collective bargaining committees as well as one negotiated at agreement. One such obligation is to industrial level. The right to collective negotiate in good faith as well as duty of full bargaining will also be looked at in the disclosure where financial incapacity is context of international law. alleged. Some of the duties can be found in The right to collective bargaining is now the Right to Organise and Collective a constitutionally enshrined. Section Bargaining Convention,1949 ( No. 98) as 65(5)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe well as C.87. Zimbabwe ratified C.87 on th provides that except for members of the the 9 of April 2003 and C.98 had been th security services, every employee, ratified on the 27 of August 1998. employer, trade union, and employer's The fact that the trade union and an organization has the right to engage in employer organization have reached an collective bargaining. This is in line with agreement does not prevent the negotiation other jurisdictions such as South Africa of a collective bargaining at workplace which provides for the right to collective level by a workers committee. In this bargaining in section 23 of its Constitution. regard, the Labour Act provides that the The Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] defines existence of a collective bargaining a collective bargaining agreement as an agreement shall not preclude an employer agreement negotiated in accordance with and his employees from agreeing to the the Act which regulates the terms and introduction of higher rates of pay or other conditions of employment of employees. The question which then arises is what more favourable conditions of employment deductions for The Collective Bargaining Convention, happens where there is a conflict between a before the expiry of such collective membership fees and union dues, and 1951 ( C 154) regards collective bargaining collective bargaining agreement negotiated bargaining agreement, so however that the deductions which an employer may be as extending to all negotiations which take by the employees and the one negotiated by rights and interests of the employees are not required or place between an employer, a group of the appropriate trade union. The proviso to thereby diminished or adversely affected. permitted by law or by order of any employees or one or more employers' section 25 provides the solution. It states The collective bargaining agreement competent court to make; organisations on the one hand and one or that where there is any conflict between the negotiated by the trade union and the (d) methods of calculating, or factors more workers' organisations on the other terms and conditions of any such collective employer organization must be published for adjusting rates of pay, and the dates, determining working conditions and terms bargaining agreement and collective in the gazette in order for it to be binding. times and modes of employment and or regulating relations bargaining agreement negotiated by an This can be noted from section 80 of the of payment; between employers and workers and or appropriate trade union, the latter shall Labour Act which provides that; (e) all issues pertaining to overtime, regulating relations between employers or prevail unless the terms and conditions of '' (2) The terms and conditions of a piece-work, periods of vacation and their organisations and a workers' the former collective bargaining agreement registered collective bargaining agreement vacation pay and organization. are more favourable to the employees shall become effective and binding— constraints A workers committee has a right at law to concerned, in (a) from the date of publication of the thereon; negotiate a collective bargaining agreement which case such agreement in terms of subsection (1); or ( f ) t h e at the workplace. Section 24 (1)(b) of the last-mentioned (b) from such other date as may be demarcation of the Labour Act provides that a workers t e r m s a n d specified in the agreement.'' appropriate committee shall be entitled to negotiate with conditions shall Prior to its publication in the gazette, the categories and the employer concerned a collective prevail. agreement must be submitted to the classes of bargaining agreement relating to the terms A trade union Registrar and the Minister may direct the employment and and conditions of employment of the and an employer Registrar not to register any provision of their respective employees concerned. In order to ensure organization the agreement which is inconsistent with functions; that a worker committee is not a willing also have the the Labour Act, contrary to public interest ( g ) t h e appendage of the employer, the Labour Act right to negotiate or unreasonable. Registration will only be conditions of provides that its composition and procedure a collective done once the provisions have been employment for apprentices; has to be determined by the employees and bargaining agreement. The scope of such a suitably amended. (h) the number of hours of work and the that its members must be members of a trade collective bargaining agreement is No party other than the workers times of work with respect to all or some of union where the trade union represents not provided in section 74 of the Labour Act. It committee, trade union or employer the less than fifty percent of the employees. provides; organization may negotiate a collective employees; A collective bargaining agreement '(2) Subject to this Act and the bargaining agreement. This can be noted (i) the requirements of occupational negotiated by the workers committee does competence and authority of the parties, from the fact that courts have consistently safety; not immediately become binding upon its trade unions and employers or employers set aside arbitral awards which purported to (j) the maintenance of, and access by the agreement. Section 25 of the Labour Act organizations may negotiate collective set minimum wages in instances where it parties to, records of employment and pay; provides that every collective bargaining bargaining agreements as to any conditions was the sole duty of the parties to agree on (k) procedures for dealing with disputes agreement which has been negotiated by a of employment which are of mutual interest the minimum wage for their industry. within an undertaking or industry; workers committee shall be referred by the to the parties thereto. It can be noted from the above that the (l) housing and transport facilities or in workers committee to the employees and (3) Without derogation from the right to collective bargaining is an essential their absence, an allowance for the same; the trade union concerned, and, if approved generality of subsection (2), a collective labour right. Almost all rights of employees (m) measures to combat workplace by the trade union and by more than fifty per bargaining agreement can be advocated for and secured by means violence and handling its aftermath. centum of the employees, shall become may make provision for— of collective bargaining. Employees must (n) the following measures to foster the binding on the employer and the employees (a) rates of remuneration and minimum utilize the right to collective bargaining in viability of undertakings and high levels of concerned. The need for approval by the wages for different grades and types of order to defend their rights and interests at employment, where applicable, namely employees and the trade union is due to the occupations; the workplace so as to match the power of measures— fact that the workers committee is a (b) benefits for employees; capital. (i) to promote high levels of representative of the employees who must © deductions which an employer may productivity; and ratify its decisions. make from employees' wages, including ATDU Network promoting stronger unions and better development policies in Africa

From Page 4 The UN strongly backs and jeopardise the spirit and Forum on Sustainable In the past four years, the Development (ARFSD). This network members have also development framework which promotes this approach, but for outcomes envisaged in the forum, which is jointly convened represented the African Trade requires trillions of dollars to trade unions, the strong push to development goals. The network by the Africa Union and United Unions at the United Nations successfully finance its increase the involvement of the has done a lot of work on these Nations Commission for Africa High Level Political Forum (HLPF) implementation and yet private sector in the development streams to enable trade unions in (UNECA), offers stakeholders an on Sustainable Development. At countries only have billions. In arena and to promote blended Africa to critique the current opportunity to take stock of the HLPF, unions have used the context of this narrative, the finance and its associated PPPs development financing where the continent is in terms of shadow SDGs country reports to 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda raises the question on how the architecture and how it has a implementing the SDGs. In all its bring to bear the trade unions (AAAA) committed nations to use motives of business (profit) can huge potential to roll back the engagements the ATUDN has position on the status of SDGs public investment instruments be reconciled with the desired gains realised for African promulgated key trade union implementation in Africa. These and vehicles to leverage the development outcomes as workers. messages on the pillars of decent shadow reports have proven to unprecedented levels of private stipulated in the Agenda 2030. One of the most important work, just transition, labour be powerful tools in holding finance required to fund this It is clear that unfettered platforms for advocacy on SDGs in Africa is the Africa Regional rights and gender equality. agenda. business interests would To Page 13 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 13 From Nicholas Goche to Sekai Nzenza ...... NSSA's history of looting s we went to the Press, ZCTU leaders Peter AMutasa and Japhet Moyo walked free after the State withdrew treason charges against them. The ZCTU leadership was arrested for calling for a stayaway in January 2019 against the increase in the price of fuel which triggered massive prices increases of almost all commodities, making life virtually impossible to live. After spending days in police cells and appearing at the Magistrates Court for dozen times in the past 11 months, the state suddenly withdraws the charges. The ZCTU leaders at some point were reporting twice a week at a police station. What it meant Prisca Mupfumira under investigation for misusing over was that they could not move US$90 million NSSA funds around or travel. Some missed funerals of their beloved and even another. all be paid kickbacks). some crucial meetings. NSSA has a consistent history It even built hotels that are not Chigumura believes the arrests of dolling out money to Ministers. being used as campaign gimmicks Robin Vela forma NSSA board chairperson had nothing to do with trying to Who would ever thought even the by Zanu PF. At one time, NSSA overthrow the government but recent Labour Minister Sekai could not locate land it bought in purely harassment of trade Nzenza, with a damning forensic Chegutu! For Christ sake, this is unions. audit in her hands, would also workers' money. Pensionneers are Three of the most found her name on the list of getting less than ZWL100 per fundamental rights human kind 'borrowers' from NSSA. month while NSSA plays around are supposed to enjoy are the right with their money. It is time we to freedom of speech, association all demand accountability at and assembly. Any country that CHIGUMURA NSSA. Perhaps the best way does not guarantee these rights is out is to make the institution designated as undemocratic. independent. The Ministry of When some people cry for Labour has failed workers. sanctions to be removed, those President Emmerson who imposed them look at such “scarfmore” Mnangagwa is issues. doing everything in the book Zimbabwe, under the to emulate his predecessor President Emmerson Mnangagwa Robert Mugabe particularly has shown serious deficits in as far when it comes to travel. as respecting human and trade Of course all these Ministers Maybe he wants to beat Mugabe's union rights. They should not cry were very clever, they would use record. He has never missed an foul if sanctions are maintained! “cabinet authority” to take what opportunity of travelling Chigumura is watching with did not belong to them from NSSA whenever an offer arrives. Nicholas Goche interest what is going on at NSSA. with promises to pay back. It is our What is worse, he is hiring s For years the ZCTU has been fervent hope that the new labour private plane for that matter, hopeful lot. This is so because two loafs per day. Come to think complaining that NSSA had Minister Paul Mavima is not chewing thousands, if not there are things that you cannot of it, how do Zimbabweans become a cash cow for politicians already looking at areas where he millions of dollars. We are not rationally explain. survive? In fact why do they go to particularly those from the can get 'cabinet approval' to get his sure what he brings back from Most Zimbabweans earn less work? Why are they subsidizing Ministry of Labour. From the fingers into NSSA! those travels. Mnangangwa must than ZWL1000. The Food basket employers? These are million Times of Nicholas Goche, It must also be remembered remember that this country is in a is over ZWL4500. Transport costs dollar questions. I do not want to Petronella Kangonye, Prisca that NSSA also gave money to crisis and he must save every cent alone would chew over ZWL200. believe that Zimbabweans are Mupfumira all these Ministers closed banks that was never paid that is available. With ZWL 100, you can only buy surviving through pilfering! dipped their figures into the back. It would invest in dubious Amidst all the gloom and two items in shops. Bread is at I am out of here! coffers of NSSA in one way or companies and banks at the behest doom, Zimbabweans remain a ZWL15 and a family will need of Ministers (of course they would ATDU Network promoting stronger unions and better development policies in Africa

that shape their lives”. From Page 12 making the SDGs a reality lies. A context of social dialogue will go a tracking to ensure that spending recent report from UNECA and long way to ensure that trade is in tandem with the goals, would It is true that the SDGs unions have a say on SDGs go a long way towards meeting framework does not question the governments accountable and the SDG Center for Africa implementation at a national the SDGs targets. neoliberal development have also facilitated the opening consistently flagged up the level. Since all African Lastly, the African labour orthodoxy and therefore falls of doors for national union continued lack of clarity on governments have committed to movement ought to rally behind short of being a transformative centres from Ghana to the accountability and enforcement meeting these goals, unions have the Time for 8 campaign, which agenda for the Africa labour Democratic Republic of Congo to mechanisms for SDGs at national an excellent opportunity to highlights the centrality of Goal 8 movement. Nevertheless, the Chad and Zimbabwe to be level. Additionally, it has been demand accountability on their in achieving the SDGs and SDGs still offer the African labour consulted by their governments intimated that only 40 per cent of progress. To that effect, unions advocates that no one is left movement a golden opportunity on the implementation of the the indicators in the global SDG ought to intensify their efforts to behind as the world transitions to to meaningfully engage SDGs. data framework are accompanied create awareness and mobilise more sustainable ways of living governments and development Looking ahead by data in Africa. All these their members on the SDGs, and working. cooperation partners on trade It is evident that a lot of work challenges are compounded, the while utilising the tripartite social As the ITUC general secretary union priorities such as decent has been done and good progress report further argues, by the huge dialogue mechanism to advance Sharan Burrow pontificates: “The work, social protection, labour has been registered in the past SDG financing gap for Africa which the cause of the working class. key to making sure that decent rights, gender equality and the four years but moving forward, is estimated at between US$500 Practical interventions like work becomes the rule and that overarching struggle towards the ATUDN has its work cut out. billion and U$1.2 trillion annually. advocating for policy coherence millions of working families reducing inequalities and poverty From now on, the network ought Thus, the strengthening of at a national level, lobbying for escape poverty and exploitation in all its manifestations. to focus its energies at national national affiliates to champion the integration of the SDGs into lies in giving working people the level where the real work on the decent work agenda in the the national plans and budget power to influence the decisions Page 14 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 Time to rethink fiscal austerity sustainable under different It is necessary and desirable to circumstances. rethink the current macroeconomic The social costs of austerity thrust 'austerity for prosperity'. The policies have been found to be very current economic downturn has high. In downturns, cuts in public created an opportunity for change, expenditure squeeze investment in which we must not miss. infrastructure and reduce allocations Importantly, in the words of for social sectors, which can only Professor Deepak Nayyar, 'it is dampen growth in the long-term. In essential to return a developmental the case of Zimbabwe, public social approach to macroeconomic policies spending remains very small that is based on an integration of accounting for only 4% of total fiscal short-term counter-cyclical fiscal spending during the first quarter of and monetary policies with long the year. term development objectives.' The majority of the citizens don't There is a need to redefine have access to social safety nets macroeconomic objectives so that necessary to mitigate the adverse there is equal focus and prioritisation effects of the austerity. Austerity of both economic growth and inordinately focuses on the employment creation. For instance, attainment of macroeconomic the fiscal policy must contain clear stability as an end in itself at the economic growth and employment expense of employment creation and creation targets. We must be able to poverty reduction. know how many jobs will be created It has been observed in many by the projected economic growth. countries that, obsession with Macroeconomic policies must eliminating fiscal and current contain policy tools and strategies account deficits, if achieved through for employment creation in labour- cutbacks in public expenditure, intensive sectors. especially on development and social The fiscal policy must also not services, can retard the process of just be reduced merely to a means of growth and result in an increase in eliminating fiscal deficits. poverty. According to conventional It is vital to adopt a human rights macroeconomic thinking upon approach to macroeconomics and which austerity is anchored and development that prioritises people GODFATHER OF AUSTERITY - Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube premised, the elimination of fiscal and their basic needs (such as food never give his wife enough deficits is both necessary and Others have argued that the money to cook a good meal. This security, healthcare, education, approach to sustainable sufficient for the adjustment and government does not have many applies to politicians seeking housing, transport, access to public development that integrates transformation. However, according degrees of fiscal freedom. However, medical help anywhere but home utilities, decent jobs and rural economic, social and environmental to many scholars, this is a myth. nothing could be further from the (medical tourism by political elites infrastructure) as well as ring- imperatives and considerations. The quantum of the deficit or the truth. For instance, there many at the expense of the tax payer). The fencing expenditures thereto. Macroeconomic policies for level of public indebtedness in most opportunities to cut back on non- cost of medical tourism could build In particular, investments in development require partnership and cases is a symptom of a structural health, education and 25 district hospitals. There is also malady in the economy and not the scope for the country to reduce its coordination. Government policies infrastructure have a positive must be the result of a process that actual malady itself. The most effect on the accumulation of military spending and deploy important issue to address is the those saved resources to social involves the much-needed broad- human and physical capital as well based participation of all key allocation and ultimate of public as total factor productivity. Such expenditures and capital expenditure in relation to the cost of investments. stakeholders, including the working an approach must promote class and civil society; not just the borrowing. employment intensive growth. Huge military expenditures Public borrowing is always that are largely recurrent in most private sector. This is because decent The global consensus is that sustainable if it is used to finance employment is a key nexus African countries including in social expenditures and capital Zimbabwe are behind the slow broad-based stakeholder between growth and development. participation in policy development investments and if the rate of return It must boost public spending pace of development. Ultimately, on such investments is greater than our greatest challenge is not lack is critical as it engenders national on health, education, agriculture ownership, accountability and the interest payable. There is no and infrastructure without of resources but rather poor macroeconomic dictum that stewardship and deployment of transparency. In fact, the major undermining fiscal sustainability. reason for policy stillbirth and stipulates an optimum level to which productive recurrent expenditures. the resources we have and wrong Such a framework must also be failure in many countries including the fiscal deficit must be reduced as a Two good examples are the role of priorities. strongly aligned with constitutional in Zimbabwe is the lack of effective proportion of GDP. medical tourism and military In conclusion, government imperatives such that the bulk of participation by the citizens and key For example, it is possible that a spending in crowding out resources. macroeconomic and development resources are dedicated towards the stakeholders. budget deficit at 7% of GDP is realization of constitutionally There is an African idiom that if a policies must be based on a holistic sustainable in one situation while a mandated people's rights. man does not eat at home, he may Government policies must be the fiscal deficit at 5% of GDP may not untry to reduce its military spending result of a process that involves the ZCTU preliminary commentary to the 2020 national budget

Minister paints a positive picture electricity supply through that this growth and productivity The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade coming from or is talking about? around his “Austerity for If anything, the reality on the imports and other alternative thrust, supported by the Unions (ZCTU) notes with Prosperity” mantra, insisting that the ground is different as the economy sources of power; supportive tax reengagement process with the disappointment the uninspiring implementation of fiscal is in a tailspin with chronic high and non-tax incentives; continued International Community “…will ease of doing business reforms and National Budget Statement by the consolidation reforms resulted in inflation and unprecedented enable us to meet our Budget “…consistent monthly budget investment. We see these as objectives,” is disingenuous. Minister of Finance and Economic erosion of incomes and prejudice of surpluses or savings reaching pensioners that is akin to the period medium to longer-term factors that While any tax relief measures Development, Professor Mthuli ZWL$1.4 billion between January of hyperinflation in 2007-2008. may not immediately deliver better are most welcome, we do observe Ncube presented to Parliament on and August 2019.” Similarly, he The re-introduction of the local prospects in 2020. that they cannot provide relief for mentions that the current account We therefore wonder how the incapacitated workers earning so November 14, 2019 under the currency against a context of a delivered a positive balance of highly unstable economy and 2020 National Budget would mark little. Can the authorities not see theme 'Gearing for Higher US$116.4 million in the first half of shortage of foreign currency the exit “…from austerity to growth that average minimum wages of Productivity, Growth and Job 2019, “…which all pointed to reserves has spelt doom and gloom stimulation and employment ZWL600 are just enough for generation era through promotion Creation'. positive signs for restoring the much for ordinary folk. Even workers to have bread on their table, of production oriented investment It is disrespectful for the needed macro-fiscal stability, and Government itself had indicated it let alone other cost of living aspects and productivity, without losing Minister to begin the Budget elimination of the 'twin deficit'.” The would not re-introduce a local such as food, transport, focus on fiscal responsibility” when Statement by glorifying the Budget Statement is up-beat about currency until the macroeconomic accommodation, education, health the macroeconomic situation is suffering ordinary Zimbabweans the fiscal consolidation and fundamentals were in place, but and social protection. It remains an characterized by chronic high have endured in 2019. He quotes a restoration of 'tight monetary policy' Nicodemously went against its own indictment of this piecemeal inflation, continued shortages of statement attributed to Orson following the reintroduction of the better judgement. approach in a chronically high foreign currency, and an emaciated Whitney, a religious leader that Zimbabwe Dollar. With the economy projected to inflation environment where prices populace. We may ask whether it is says, “No pain that we suffer, no We wonder how a Government decline by 6.5%, and recover by 3% are rated against the exchange rate, prudent to burn down the whole trial that we experience is wasted worth its salt can talk about budget in 2020 (which in itself is a mirage), while wages are decoupled from it. house in order to frighten the mouse …, it ministers to our education and surpluses in a country failing to there is no immediate respite for This is the very reason workers are away. It is therefore difficult to see development…”. It is insensitive provide basics like water and ordinary Zimbabweans, especially fighting for the rating of their wages how an economy in crisis can that you inflict pain on your people sanitation, proper health services, as the economy is clearly off the against the exchange rate in order to produce productivity and growth; and find a way to justify it, with slave wages, painful electricity rails with chronic high inflation. achieve an equilibrium between jobs creation; competitiveness; a especially for the working people of outages of up to 18 hours a day, The projected improved growth in prices and incomes. more sustainable and inclusive Zimbabwe who are generally failing to pay its debts, create jobs 2020 is premised on a favourable Unless Minister Ncube climbs development and export incapacitated under the current and provide meaningful social rainfall season, improved down from his ivory tower, there is diversification and import austerity measures. protection cover? We ask which macroeconomic stability through no respite for Zimbabweans. substitution all in 2020. Arguing As has become the norm, the country the Honourable Minister is continued austerity; improved 2019 NOVEMBER, The Worker Page 15 An Amplats mine in Zimbabwe will Convention No 1 pioneer 'Responsible Mining' audit A landmark for Workers' Rights

100 years ago the first International Labour Conference adopted the first International Labour Standard – on working time. As the ILO celebrates this landmark moment, ILO Working Time specialist, Jon Messenger, looks back at the history of the Convention and its impact. No matter where we work and what we do, “working time ” is an issue that affects us all. Yet few people realize that the fact that we have limits on the hours we work traces its roots to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) first International Labour Standard – the Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No.1) . Prior to the outbreak of war in 1914 limits on working time – most prominently the eight hour working day – had been one of the principal demands of the international trade union movement. Once the war was over, and with the creation of the ILO as part of the Treaty of Versailles, the issue resurfaced, as large-scale labour unrest threatened to spread in several countries. The ILO Constitution , contained in Article 427 of the Treaty, included the declaration that “the adoption of an 8-hours day or a 48-hours week as the standard to be aimed at where it has not already been attained” was of “special and urgent importance”. Only a few months later the subject was put on the agenda of the First Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), which met in Washington in October-November 1919. By the end of the conference the principle of the eight hour working day had been embodied in the first Convention adopted, the Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919. Considering that the eight hour working day had been dismissed Africa Young Workers five years earlier as impracticable and unachievable due to international competition, the adoption of Convention No.1 was a oung workers from pointed out that young women groups to develop their policy and remarkable achievement — the trade union movement had IndustriALL Global workers are doubly oppressed by the structure. succeeded in getting international recognition of its foremost goal. YUnion affiliates from ageism and patriarchy. When there They identified the following However, ratification of Convention No.1 by ILO member States across the Sub Saharan Africa is an invitation to a youth meeting, priorities: was not as widespread as the first ILO Director, Albert Thomas , had region met for the first time in men old enough to be their fathers Formulate a regional structure hoped. The Great Depression brought with it a reluctance by Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 7 are first in line to attend. Develop youth leadership employers to face higher labour costs. Moreover, some member October. They created a After a presentation on the ILO Develop a union education States and even some in the labour movement, especially in structure and elected office Centenary Declaration by Mban programme for youth Germany and the United Kingdom, considered that hours of work bearers. Kabu of ILO ACTRAV, participants Formalize alliances with civil could best be reduced through trade union action and collective The 44 delegates from 11 discussed how the future of work society bargaining rather than by legislation. Even today, only 46 out of the countries were joined by guests was likely to play out in the African Including youth in collective 187 member States of the ILO have ratified this convention . from a number of organizations, context and developed proposals bargaining Nonetheless, in spite of the low number of ratifications, including the ILO, BWI, UNI for young workers marginalized by Integrate youth into industrial Convention No. 1 has had a considerable impact in expanding use of the eight hour working day. Global Union, SASK and the a growing informal sector. policy Only four countries had passed eight hour laws before 1919: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, which They felt that their familiarity Rose Omamo, general secretary Cuba in 1909, Panama in 1914, Uruguay in 1915 and Ecuador in sponsored the event. with new technology meant that of AUKM in Kenya, led the The delegates displayed spirit election process. 1916. Between the Armistice of November 1918 and the drafting of they could benefit from new forms the preparatory report for the Washington ILC, eight hour day laws and enthusiasm, frequently The vote was as follows: of work. Sweshta Soomungull of of varying scope had been enacted by Austria, Czechoslovakia, breaking into call and response Chair: Emmanual Adjei-Danso Mauritius asked: “Since when have Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, chants celebrating union power, unions been afraid of challenges?” of Ghana Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. and songs to create a sense of unity There were debates about the Vice chair: Christian Rutendo The eight hour workday also became more widespread in the and movement. They sang songs suitability of union structures for Ranji of Zimbabwe UK and the United States; more than four million of the 12 million from the trade union struggle, organizing young workers. Iris Secretary: Victor Notaye members of the British workforce had their working day reduced to including Asinamali (“We don't Nothofer of the FES Trade Union Ngwane of South Africa eight hours In the USA, the number of workers covered by an eight have any money”), Asifuni Agenda Competence Centre Sub-Saharan Committee: hour day agreement rose from 172,000 in 1915 to 1.14 million in yama Capitalist (“We don't want Africa raised a provocative Sweshta Soomungull of 1918. the capitalist agenda”) and My question: is there a conflict between Mauritius, Tolulope Fagbamigbe Albert Thomas reported that, “during the years 1918-19 the Mother was a Kitchen Girl. union democracy and efficiency? of Nigeria, Prisqua Miharilala of eight hour day has, either by collective agreements or by law, A panel discussion was held “Democratic structures and Madagascar and Maria John become a reality in the majority of industrial countries”. with participants exploring procedures are necessary but not Bange of Tanzania, By 1922, the 48-hour week was the general practice, especially different aspects of youth sufficient. We need vibrant rank and IndustriALL regional secretary in industry, throughout Europe and in Australia, New Zealand and organizing in their countries. file networks,” she concluded. Paule Ndessomin said: “I am many countries in Latin America. There had even been significant “Youth are marginalized. People IndustriALL youth coordinator impressed by the passion and reductions in working hours in Japan and India. put us down, not by the power of Sarah Flores spoke about the commitment we saw here today. As we look back to these early years, it is clear that the ILO and their arguments, but with the importance of youth developing The future looks bright! Now that a its Convention No. 1 have been key drivers of the eight hour weight of their years,” said autonomous structures and their structure has been created, young working day. They standardized and promoted this labour policy, Tafadzwa Eustace Chidhindi of own way of working. The unionists can work together leading to its widespread implementation and today the eight hour Zimbabwe. participants divided into three effectively.” working day is the norm in countries all over the world. Tolulope Fagbamigbe of Nigeria www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/ Commonwealth leaders urged to pass laws protecting workers from slavery World leaders should take aim at The European Union is often seen estimated to be victims of forced such as a living wage, trade lead to broad labour reforms. modern slavery in corporate supply as setting the minimum regulatory labour, and companies are facing unionisation and fair working Doha last month announced a new chains at a global summit next year, standards for businesses on human rising consumer pressure to clean up conditions are under growing threat, minimum wage law and steps to end labour rights activists said on rights, according to Bloomer, who said their supply chains with the issue in Burrow added. the "kafala" sponsorship system, Wednesday, calling for laws to the Commonwealth should take the the spotlight since the United Nations "The world's employment which binds workers to one employer compel companies to tackle worker lead. set a target of ending slavery by 2030. framework has broken down ... we and has been criticised as abusive. exploitation in their operations. "The Commonwealth could act ... Yet the world's economic model need a new social contract to clean up The global outlook for workers' Speaking at the Thomson Reuters as the beacon and litmus test ... but also has "broken down" as the practices of forced labour," she said. rights is concerning, Burrow said, Foundation's annual Trust a multiplier effect on due diligence large corporations and digital "THE STRUGGLE citing recent ITUC research that Conference, experts urged heads of laws." platforms put a rising number of CONTINUES” showed workers had no or restricted the 53-country Commonwealth - He described Britain's world-first workers at risk of slavery, said Sharan Burrow called upon businesses to access to justice in 72% of countries mostly ex-British colonies home to 2015 Modern Slavery Act - which Burrow, head of the International do more to identify the risk of and found a spike in the number of 2.4 billion people - to focus on the requires large businesses to publicly Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). exploitation and slavery in their nations blocking trade unionisation. issue at the biennial event to be held in outline their anti-slavery efforts - as About two billion people - more operations and provide workers with "For workers, the struggle Rwanda in 2020. important but "toothless", and urged than 60% of the world's workforce - avenues to report abuse without fear of continues for fundamental rights, a "If the Commonwealth took the major nations and the EU to hold firms are in informal work, leaving them reprisals, and urged governments to minimum living wage, the right to lead (on due diligence laws) ... it to account on labour abuses. vulnerable to being underpaid, ensure labour rights are respected. bargain collectively, and the guarantee would have an enormous rippling Sharan Burrow speaks at Trust overworked and treated like slaves, She pointed to Qatar - which relies of a safe workplace," she said. affect around the world," Phil Conference, an annual conference she said. on about 2 million migrant workers for "Every business ... and government Bloomer, head of London-based hosted by the Thomson Reuters And the rise of digital platforms the bulk of its workforce - as a positive must be held to account.” pressure group The Business and Foundation on Nov 13, 2019, London, from food to taxi apps where workers example of how pressure from labour (Kieran Guilbert | KieranG77 | Human Rights Resource Centre, told a Britain. Thomson Reuters lack proper contracts and social rights groups over what they Thomson Reuters Foundation) panel. Foundation/Daniel Leal-Olivas protections means that key rights described as modern slavery could About 25 million people are Page 16 The Worker, NOVEMBER 2019 Masakadza accepts Zim Antipas 6-out director of cricket role ...steps down as Warriors coach

amilton Masakadza has been appointed Ha s Z i m b a b w e Cricket (ZC)'s director of cricket, a newly created role designed to transform the game both on and off the field. The 36-year-old former Zimbabwe captain, who retired from the international game only last month, will be responsible for defining policy, strategy and Joey Antipas programmes of "best practice" throughout all aspects of the The Warriors coach reportedly leaves after just six games in charge of the national team on interim basis. ZC cricket pathway. Zimbabwe caretaker coach Joey Antipas has reportedly resigned less than 24 He will be accountable for hours after guiding the Warriors to a 2-1 away victory over Zambia in a 2021 the recruitment, management Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier. and interaction of senior Antipas, who was also doubling up as coach of Zimbabwean Premier Soccer cricket technical staff within League side Chicken Inn, departs after just three months in charge of the national team. the cricket affairs department. His schedule saw him in charge of Zimbabwe's match against Botswana last The director of cricket will Friday in Harare, and he led Chicken in a league match the following day in also ensure that coaches and Bulawayo, before travelling back to the capital city to prepare for the Zambia[AFP] captains are providing trip. effective leadership to the national teams. How the world is stealing Masakadza, who represented his country in 38 Zim’s finest rugby players Tests, 209 ODIs and 66 T20Is, While there was much hype about the South African Springboks ambushing will officially begin his new and totally humiliating the England Rugby team at the World Cup Final in role on November 1. Japan, Zimbabweans from around the world have their own 'bone to chew'. It would appear like Zimbabwe has become an exporter of note when it comes to The decision to appoint a fine rugby players. director of cricket was made A total of 9 top Zimbabwean players appeared for 7 different countries with by the ZC board, which at its Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira being on everyone's lips. The Beast plays his trade in last meeting in August passed a South Africa. Tendai (34) was born in Zimbabwe and attended Churchill and Peterhouse resolution to restructure the Boys High School. He was snatched by South Africa before legally acquiring organisation's management. Hamilton Masakadza citizenship. ZC chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani was pleased that Mukuhlani. incredible passion for Masakadza had accepted the "We are therefore excited offer to take up the position. about Hamilton taking up the role, Zimbabwe cricket, massive "This is a key appointment which will see him bringing a knowledge of our game and the that clearly indicates our fresh perspective to the wealth of experience that he desire to strengthen our cricket administration of cricket and gained from playing at the across all levels while also helping us to shape the future of highest level will help transform improving the game our game. ZC and see him becoming a administratively," said "I have no doubt that his respected leader in the sport.” Joseph Parker taunts Chisora oseph Parker says a rounds and manager David happened with the illness, final decision on the Haye has turned his attention but I want to reschedule the JDerek Chisora fight will to an alternative fight with fight. I'm healthy, I'm fit, I'm be made and wants to Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO ready to go. I know I can “smash” the Brit's lingering mandatory challenger, but smash him, I know I can beat hopes of a world-title shot. Parker raised doubts about him. He's going to bring a lot Former world heavyweight whether this is a likely route to of pressure, but I know I've boxing champion Joseph a world title for the Londoner. got better boxing skill and Parker was ruled out of his Parker, who is ranked No 4 by better movement than the fight with Zimbabwe-born the WBO, told Sky Sports: other guys he's faced. Dereck Chisora because of “He hasn't won a world “I told him before that I will Below is a list of Zimbabwean Rugby players who have been snatched by other illness title, Chisora, so I think they retire him and I'll be his last countries… The New Zealander has fight. Lock in the fight, I'll put 1)Tendai-Beast Mtawarira-The prop, was snatched by South Africa and later are trying to look for the given citizenship. called for a rescheduled fastest and the best way of in a great show. He will get his money that he wants, but I will 2) Takudzwa Ngwenya – The winger now plays for the United States Rugby heavyweight boxing clash getting there, and they think Team with Zimbabwe-born Chisora Usyk is the best way of getting put him into retirement. He's 3) David Denton and Thomas Evans – Both players snatched by Scotland. after a suspected spider bite to a world title. had a good career.” 4) Brian Mujati – Like The Beast, Brian was also snatched by South Africa. forced him to withdraw from “But firstly it doesn't make The Kiwi's manager David 5)Kotaro Munyaradzi – Kotaro plays for Japan and has a Zimbabwean father last month's O2 showdown sense, because he's not Higgins has suggested that and Japanese mother. and Parker will hold talks with ranked and there's a lot of Haye is looking for a final 6) )David Pocock – David was born in Gweru , Zimbabwe and later moved to promoter Eddie Hearn to guys ranked before him. I'm payday for Chisora against Australia as a teenager. confirm his next heavyweight Usyk, but remains hopeful 7)Don Armand-the 31 year old plays as a flanker for Exeter Chiefs in the not sure why they want that English Premiership. fight. fight? Obviously the fight was that Hearn will instead secure the fight with Parker. — Sky Heartbreaking as it maybe, this is how Zimbabwe has continued to shape rugby Chisora instead stopped locked in for us both and I around the world. Even when the Sables haven't featured at the World Cup since David Price inside four couldn't control what Sports. 1991.