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Zimbabwe: ICFTU condemns 350 arrests on national day of union protest
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
November 18, 2003

Brussels, November 18, 2003 (ICFTU Online): In a letter to the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has strongly condemned a wave of arrests of trade unionists, designed to quash national protests on 18th November. Latest information indicates that at least 350 people have been detained across Zimbabwe in the course of national protests, backed by Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), called to highlight violations of human and trade union rights, increases in the cost of living and high levels of taxation.

Prominent ZCTU member Peter Munyukwi was arrested in the early hours of the morning and subsequently severely assaulted. The arrest of trade unionist David Shambare also occurred earlier today. He had previously received threats after organising industrial action at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The current whereabouts of the two men remain unknown. These come after the arrests of other key ZCTU trade unionists including Secretary General Wellington Chibebe, President Lovemore Matombo, and the trade union's Vice President Lucia Matibenga.

Following recent police harassment of trade unionists including numerous cases in October 2003 when 165 trade unionists were arrested at a ZCTU demonstration, some of whom were severely assaulted, the international trade union movement is strongly protesting today's arrests and a further catalogue of intimidation of ZCTU members including the holding of six members of its General Council.

Having notified the police of the planned national protest, the ICFTU affiliated-ZCTU, strongly supported by the international trade union movement, had reminded President Mugabe yesterday of his government's obligation to fully respect legitimate trade union activity, in line with core ILO conventions ratified by Zimbabwe.

In a letter to Robert Mugabe, ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder underlined that "we will add the information on the events of the last 24 hours to our existing complaint against Zimbabwe for violation of freedom of association legislation, lodged with the International Labour Organisation. The ICFTU will not hesitate to report any further repressive action by the police if given cause to".

The ICFTU is also highlighting the violations of trade union rights in Zimbabwe to the Commonwealth in the run up to its summit of 54 leaders in December.

The ICFTU represents 158 million workers in 231 affiliated organisations in 150 countries and territories. The ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions: http://www.global-unions.org

For more information:
please contact the ICFTU Press Department on +32 2224 0210
Website: www.icftu.org

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