The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has joined the global community in commemorating International Workers’ Day, calling for urgent reforms to improve the working conditions and rights of workers across Zimbabwe, particularly in the informal sector.
In a statement issued on 1 May, ZLHR acknowledged this year’s international theme: “Occupational Health and Safety: A Fundamental Right at Work”, which also includes a growing focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation on workplace safety. Said the ZLHR:
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The theme underscores the legal and moral imperative to safeguard every worker’s health, safety, and dignity in the workplace.
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The ZLHR noted that Section 65 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees the right to fair and safe labour practices, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from forced labour.
Zimbabwe is also a state party to key international agreements such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which enshrine labour rights as fundamental human rights.
Despite these legal frameworks, ZLHR said the reality for many workers in Zimbabwe remains concerning. The ZLHR said:
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Many workers continue to labour under hazardous conditions without adequate protective measures or access to remedy in cases of workplace injuries or fatalities.
Workers in both the private and public sectors continue to earn low wages that do not allow them and their families to live above the poverty datum line, while unemployment and inequality is increasing at a shocking pace.
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ZLHR further criticised both the government and private employers for “turning their backs on the working people.”
The statement highlighted the plight of workers in the informal sector, which constitutes the bulk of Zimbabwe’s workforce. It reads:
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The widespread criminalisation of informal livelihoods further exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation, harassment, and unsafe working environments.
Informal workers are routinely excluded from occupational health and safety protections, social security schemes, and legal redress.”
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The organisation also condemned the suppression of trade union activity in the country, noting a continued pattern of arrests, intimidation, and harassment targeting labour leaders and workers exercising their constitutional rights. ZLHR said:
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The arbitrary arrest, detention, and harassment of labour leaders, which recently culminated in the apprehension of some University of Zimbabwe lecturers, undermines the constitutional promise of labour justice.
The conduct of law enforcement agents in suppressing legitimate activities of trade unionists is grossly unlawful.
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ZLHR called on the government to urgently meet its constitutional and international legal obligations, including reforming and enforcing occupational health and safety laws to align with international standards.
The organisation also urged authorities to ensure that “all workers, including those in the informal economy, enjoy safe and healthy workplaces.”
ZLHR also called for an end to the “harassment and criminalisation of trade unionists and labour rights defenders” and for the protection of workers’ rights to organise, bargain collectively, and peacefully protest—freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Reads the statement:
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Workers’ rights are inseparable from the broader human rights framework. The right to a safe and healthy working environment is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right that the state is duty-bound to respect, protect, and fulfil.
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Pindula News

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) wants to protect workers, especially those in the informal sector, on International Workers’ Day. They say workers deserve fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from harm. Even though there are laws to protect workers, many in Zimbabwe still face dangerous working conditions and low pay. ZLHR criticizes the government and private employers for not supporting workers enough. They want the government to improve laws for worker safety and protect workers' rights to organize and protest. ZLHR believes everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace.

ZLHR Marks Workers’ Day With Call to Protect Zimbabwe’s Informal Workers

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa’s allies Amos Chibaya, and John Kuka, the current Mkoba South member of parliament, were among hundreds of people who attended the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) International Workers Day celebrations at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru on Wednesday, May 1.
According to <a href="https://changeradiozimbabwe.com/2024/05/02/presidents-chamisas-lieutenants-hon-chibaya-and-hon-kuka-urge-employers-to-pay-above-poverty-line-salaries-and-condemn-chinese-employers-on-may-commemorations/">Change Radio</a>, the guest of honour at the well-attended event was ZCTU’s first vice president, Valentine Chikosi.
In his speech, Chikosi urged workers to unite and fight for better salaries and improved working conditions.
Chibaya, a former MP for Mkoba North and a veteran trade unionist expressed his disappointment with the current state of affairs, saying workers have nothing to celebrate this year’s Workers Day.
He urged employers to pay workers salaries that exceed the poverty datum line, which stands at $US570.
Chibaya said that the tripartite negotiating forum should not be a mere talk show, but rather a platform for policy-making.
He also demanded that corruption, which has become pervasive within the government, should be addressed.
Kuka, who is also a seasoned trade unionist, who previously served as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Urban Council Workers Union (ZUCWU) Branch and Acting Young Workers Chairperson for ZCTU Central Region, criticised Chinese employers in the Midlands Province.
He condemned their practice of paying workers low salaries and failing to provide them with protective clothing.
Chinese employers in Zimbabwe have been accused of exploiting workers and causing environmental degradation and damaging public infrastructure.
Kuka pledged to advocate for the rights of workers with disabilities in parliament, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
The Mkoba South MP donated a cow for the Workers’ Day celebration in Gweru. The cow was slaughtered and served to the attendees, who enjoyed great entertainment throughout the event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa's Allies, Chibaya And Kuka Urge Employers To Pay Above Poverty Line At ZCTU Event

Unions representing workers in Zimbabwe say Workers’ Day or Labour Day, has turned into a day to lament their “slavery” because of poor pay and working conditions.
In separate interviews with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026323/workers-day-turned-into-slave-day">NewsDay</a>, workers’ unions said the commemorations had lost meaning as employees live from hand to mouth.
Zimbabwe Congress for Trade Unions (ZCTU) national organiser, Michael Kandukutu, said:
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We used to have Workers Day celebrations maybe 15 years ago but now it is just commemorations of employees’ problems. It is a lamentation day for workers’ problems.
Working has failed to transform the lives of workers. We have workers who cannot afford what they are producing.
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Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said:
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As far as we are concerned salaries have gone down, conditions of service have not improved and it’s indeed an insult to us.
As far as we are concerned, May Day is a day we are supposed to celebrate, but we cannot celebrate slavery.
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Zimbabwe Union of Journalists secretary-general Perfect Hlongwane said:
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It’s a pity that journalists should be celebrating Workers Day, a day we look back and take stock of what has been achieved but if you do a scan of the environment or what is obtaining on the ground you will realise that journalists are some of the people who are least paid in the country.
This has taken away the professionalism that we are supposed to see in the sector. Sadly, nothing is being done to fix the issue of remuneration.
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Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions chairperson, David Dzatsunga, said:
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In other countries when you are in public service, working for the government you are up there in terms of earnings but in Zimbabwe it’s different, we have become a laughing stock.
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Zimbabwe Association for Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) said:
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In commemorating this day, ZADHR laments the state of our public health delivery system and the exposure of health professionals to harm in their line of duty.
For years, health workers in Zimbabwe have clamoured for a healthy service and healthy workplace that promotes and protects their rights through strengthening infection control protocols and associated provisions for infection control such as personal protective equipment.
</blockquote>
The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions (FOZEU) urged trade unions to unite in the fight for better wages for all workers. Said FOZEU:
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FOZEU, therefore, calls for the immediate creation of a viable alternative platform genuinely representing the hopes and aspirations of workers.
Progressive unions in and outside the ZCTU are urged to come together and create a genuine labour centre for the workers of Zimbabwe and give the workers another fighting chance.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Workers Says Labour Day Has Transformed Into Slavery Day

Nelson Chamisa, former leader of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has said a nation’s dignity lies in the dignity of its working people, who serve as its heroes.
Despite not revealing his next political steps since leaving the CCC in January this year, Chamisa assured Zimbabwean workers that change is imminent.
In a statement commemorating the 2024 Workers’ Day on this Wednesday, May 1st, Chamisa highlighted the harsh reality: over 80% of the working population in Zimbabwe remains unemployed. He said:
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Strikingly, 3.5 million youths are unemployed while 7.9 million people live in extreme poverty. The majority live below the poverty datum line of US$575, while average wages at US$275 fall short of meeting basic needs.
Punitive tax thresholds, starting at US$100, leave little to support families, where a basket of basic goods is six times higher than the minimum wage.
Every worker deserves to thrive in an inclusive Zimbabwe where everyone has access to fair and dignified employment opportunities and a balanced work environment.
</blockquote>
Chamisa asserted that if elected, his government will ensure that the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) will be the prime policy formulation platform and that no public policy will be implemented without passing through the TNF.
The TNF is a social dialogue platform that was established to facilitate consultation, cooperation, and negotiation on social and economic issues among three key partners: Government, organised business, and organised labour. Said Chamisa:
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We will immediately grant public sector workers the right to collective bargaining by ratifying and domesticating ILO Convention 151.
We will re-establish a living minimum wage through social dialogue. We will allow workers to demonstrate and demand their rights.
The idea of an inclusive Zimbabwe free from poverty, corruption and oppression is the aspiration of all the citizens of Zimbabwe.
In a Zimbabwe free from poverty, corruption and oppression, the fruits of labour shall translate into economic progress for all.
Every family shall have the chance to prosper, and the benefits of hard work shall enrich the entire nation.
In a corruption-free Zimbabwe, the fruits of labour will fuel economic progress and boost economic prosperity, benefiting all families.
Workers deserve the freedom to freely choose a government that serves them, making the resolution of the August 2023 disputed elections a crucial step towards recognizing workers’ rights.
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Chamisa said the current ZANU PF-led government is unelected, therefore illegitimate and incapable of responding effectively to workers’ demands.
He said there is a need to collectively resolve the “broken politics, disputed elections and contested presidential office.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Workers Of Zimbabwe, Change Is Coming - Chamisa

Where should you be on Workers’ Day?
The simple answer to this one is that you should be at The Mesh.
What is The Mesh?
A unique event that attracts “doers.” These events have been happening multiple times a year for the past 7 years. You shouldn’t have missed any of the 25 editions. If you did, well don’t miss the one coming up on the 1st of May.
What happens at these events?
Live Music, Constructive Dialogue and Great Food. Over the years Zimbabwe’s top business leaders, entrepreneurs and social champions have been panellists at these events, sharing their stories and real-world advice. The point of the events is networking in a relaxed and safe environment while being part of the dialogue of people who have done real tangible things (the picture above shows all the 25 panellists who have been at The Mesh so far). Of course, good food and live music just make the events even more special.
What should you expect on May 1?
Good food of course and music from Gary Tight. As good as that sounds, the most interesting will be the dialogue. Panellists will be Zimbabwe Olympic Committee CEO – Marlene Gadzirayi, events specialist – Marshall Shonhai, real estate leader – Mike Tashaya, Head of Barcelona Office for the Institute of Integrated Transitions and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur and education specialist – Suraiya Essof.
Where and what time?
Manyika Restaurant, 1 Portal Village, Highlands. The event is from 3 PM up to 9 PM.
Sign me up, you say?
$10 advance tickets and $15 on the day. Easily buy your advance ticket securely on Techzim. Tap this link: <a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=263717684274&amp;text=mesh&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0">https://wa.me/263717684274?text=mesh</a>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Where Should You Be On Workers’ Day?

This year’s May Day celebrations turned out to be a damp squib across the country as people did not turn up at the venues.
The situation was even more pronounced in Hwange and Victoria Falls where the crowds were very small.
In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) officials ended up leading a clean-up campaign where they picked up litter at the Victoria Falls bus rank.
ZCTU Hwange district chairman, Jethro Tshabalala, said that the low turnout is a testament to low morale among workers. He said:
<blockquote>We are now looking at next year, as we acknowledge factors that came into play such as bitterness among people which has resulted in them taking this day as a waste of time.
Some even feel the union is not helping in any way. What we need as a country is job creation because even membership and contributions have gone down.</blockquote>
ZCTU western region chair Ambrose Sibindi called upon the government to review its tax regime as citizens are bowed down by heavy taxation.
<h4>Related:</h4>
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<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/02/workers-had-nothing-to-celebrate-on-workers-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Workers Had Nothing To Celebrate On Workers Day’</a></h4>
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<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/02/full-text-mdc-statement-to-mark-workers-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FULL TEXT: MDC Statement To Mark Workers’ Day</a></h4>
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<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/01/i-cannot-say-happy-workers-day-chamisa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">I Cannot Say Happy Workers’ Day – Chamisa</a></h4>
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More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/poor-may-day-attendance-forces-zctu-to-turn-rally-into-clean-up-campaign/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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