By Own Correspondent

TWO Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) affiliates recently graced a high level Climate Change workshop in neighbouring South Africa.

The duo Cement, Lime and Allied Workers' Union of Zimbabwe (CLAWUZ) and the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trade Workers Union (ZCATWU) joined eight other affiliates from six African countries at the high level joint  BWI and 3F Climate Change Workshop.

Other attendants of the workshop included MANWU (Namibia), NUBEGW (Zambia), NUM and BCAWU (South Africa), CMWEU (Mauritius), and SINTICIM (Mozambique).

The workshop saw 21 participants exchanging notes on matters of importance from their sectors in line with   climate change issues.

The participating unions fall under the Southern Africa Construction Network (SACONET)

"The participants gained insights into BWI’s global climate change campaign, sub-regional case studies, success stories, and strategies for climate change awareness, advocacy, action, and just transition discussions, as well as worker protections," the post workshop communique read in part.

The communique said interactive role-play sessions allowed participants to explore the impact of climate change on workers and communities, analyse the general attitudes of key stakeholders, and outline climate-friendly occupational health and safety (OHS) demands.

The workshop also addressed the intersection of green building initiatives with asbestos concerns.

Union representatives also participated in the First Annual SACONET Climate Justice and Just Transition Competition.

Using the workshop content and digital activism tools shared during the 2024 BWI Global Youth Festival, participants developed climate change-related campaigns, slogans, and posters. The competition provided trade unions with practical tools to cost-effectively spread awareness and educate a climate-conscious workforce.

“We learned a lot about climate change and just transition during this three-day workshop. With the practical activities and tools provided, we aim to educate and sensitise many on the impact of climate change on OHS and produce independent materials that encourage social dialogue and secure workers’ demands for improved workplace conditions,” said Diana Siame, NUBEGW Women’s Branch Secretary.