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ZCTU Human and Trade Union Rights update
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
April 06, 2004

The violation of Human and Trade Union rights in Zimbabwe continues unchecked at all levels including the shop floor, social and political fronts.

In a latest development, the ZCTU district vice chairperson of the Chegutu who is also a member of the Food Federation an affiliate of the ZCTU is being transferred from his work place in Chegutu at a company called Bonnezim Private limited to Harare.

Management at the company is citing persistent allegations and accusations by their ‘communal basic publics’ who are alleging that David Mangezi’s presence and employment at the company is most undesirable because of his political activities.

Management wrote in their letter

"..following persistent allegations by our communal basic publics, of which you are aware, that your presence and employment at Bonnezim in Chegutu is most undesirable to them because of your alleged clandestine involvement in political activities at the workplace. Please be aware that these basic publics have recently registered their absolute dislike of your presence at this company for alleged reasons above and that their displeasure has now extended to the company which is also alleged to be providing sanctuary for you to participate in your alleged clandestine political activities within its workplace. This situation becomes very unsafe for both yourself and the company. It also puts the company in a situation contrary to its espoused public relations policy to have harmonious relationships with all its basic publics especially given that all its crucial resources like land and labour are derived from them.

Given the magnitude of our predicament and likely consequences, we have judiciously decided to transfer you to our sister group company. Proplastics in Harare with effect from 16 April 2004 without loss of service or benefits."

While the ZCTU acknowledges the efforts of the company to transfer Mangezi without loss of benefits, it would however condemn the company for bowing down to outside pressure and influence thereby compromising its employees’ enjoyment of the freedom of association and speech. The company should be aware that it employees workers from different political persuasions and should not interfere with their beliefs and activities unless of cause it affects their work. The whole saga is further compounded by the fact that Mr. Mangezi was not consulted on the issue and is not aware of the allegations which raises some questions on the credibility of management’s assertions.

This is a clear violation of human and Trade Union rights for workers whom, because of the political atmosphere are not be able to express themselves especially in particular areas which are strong holds of political parties which they do not support.

This development comes after 41 workers were suspended at Colcom Pvt Ltd on 18 November 2003 and 2 workers dismissed from David White Head Spinners in Chegutu again for participating in a ZCTU organized demonstration against high levels of taxation, high prices of commodities and violation of human and trade union rights.

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