Staff Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it will report the inhumane workers abuses being perpetrated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO) to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
This follows reports on escalating victimisation and intimidation of workers at SMEDCO with the latest victim being Workers’ Committee chairman, Maxwell Chinhoro who was disabled from discharging his duties after being transferred from Harare to Lupane in Matabeleland North.
“The sudden and unilateral transfer to Lupane with less than five days’ notice, at a time when workers at the institution are engaged in an ongoing labour dispute concerning unfulfilled commitments made at Works Council level was effected without consultation.
“In the considered view of the ZCTU, the timing, circumstances, and nature of the transfer strongly indicate an act of victimisation targeted at a workers’ representative in order to punish and silence legitimate representation of workers’ interests,” he said.
Such conduct, the ZCTU said is inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s obligations under international labour law, particularly ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, which guarantees workers the right to freely organise and participate in workers’ organisations without interference; and
The ZCTU also contends that ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, which expressly prohibits acts of anti-union discrimination and protects workers from prejudice due to their participation in trade union activities was also violated.
“The victimisation, harassment, transfer, or dismissal of Workers’ Committee members because of their representational role constitutes a serious violation of these international standards and undermines the foundations of social dialogue and collective bargaining,” the workers body.
The ZCTU made it clear that the protection of workers’ representatives is a cornerstone of democratic labour relations and cannot be compromised by acts of intimidation or retaliation.
“The transfer of a Workers’ Committee Chairperson under circumstances that suggest punitive intent amounts to anti-union discrimination and interference with workers’ organisational rights.
“If such conduct persists, the ZCTU will have no hesitation in escalating the matter to international supervisory mechanisms, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), as a formal complaint for violation of ILO Conventions 87 and 98, to which Zimbabwe is a party,” added ZCTU.
Labour therefore called upon the employer to immediately cease all acts of victimisation against workers’ representatives, respect lawful labour processes, and engage in good faith social dialogue to resolve the underlying labour dispute.
SMEDCO was reminded that Zimbabwe has committed itself internationally to uphold freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the protection of workers’ representatives, and these obligations must be honoured in both law and practice.
