By Staff Reporter

The labour movement in Zimbabwe has condemned the summary dismissal from government employment of the Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union (ZPNU) president, Robert Chiduku for conducting union work at his  workplace.

Chiduku was dismissed for holding a workplace meeting at Gweru Provincial Hospital during working hours, a priviledge provided for public sector associations and trade unions in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions condemned the dismissal saying it was a threat to the existence of trade unions and demanded Chiduku’s  unconditional reinstatement.

“ZCTU condemns the summary dismissal of Cde Chiduku. This is a classic example of victimisation and annihilation of trade unions. We demand his unconditional reinstatement,” it posted on its official twitter handle.

Chiduku’s dismissal is in blatant violation of fundamental ILO international labour standards particularly convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, concerning the Application of the Principles of the Right to Organise and to Bargain Collectively and Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise.  

Another union, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) weighed in calling on all pro worker organisations to openly condemn the assault on labour rights.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said; “The gross abuse of authority by so-called disciplinary authorities has no place in civilised societies. The law of the jungle should be applicable there - in the jungle. The reason given for the dismissal indicates that this is a personalized matter brought to work.”

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitors Platform also condemned the harassment and victimisation of trade unionists for doing their work.

“We extend our solidarity to Mr Chiduku the President of ZPNU. The continued harrasment of labour leaders leaves much to be desired for a democratic system that promotes human rights.”

Chiduku was advised of his dismissal in a letter yesterday by Stewart Jailos a representative of the Gweru provincial disciplinary authority.

“On the basis of the disciplinary hearing held, I have no option but to order a summary dismissal with immediate effect. Please be advised that should you be aggrieved by my decision, you may without prejudice to right of appeal, appeal as appropriate to the appeals officer within seven days from date of receipt of this letter,” read the letter from Jailos.

 “Your conduct is a serious breach of your employment contract and warrants a dismissal under the above cited section as charged. In coming up with the penalty, I took into account your submissions in mitigation of the penalty. I also took into account submissions in aggravation by the complainant only in regards to this particular charge you were found guilty,” he added.

Chiduku’s dismissal could be a tip of the iceberg as more than 200 nurses are at risk of losing their jobs for partaking in job actions demanding better remuneration. The nurses are set to appear before disciplinary hearing  committees across the country.

Zimbabwe Nurses Union acknowledged that hearings were underway at different provincial hospitals adding that they were meant to intimidate and to scare away the nurses from any job action.

“That is their strategy, but we are not scared and this we condemn. I have learnt of the unfortunate dismissal from work of Robert Chiduku. We don’t expect the employer to dismiss union leaders over fighting for a good cause,” union president Enock Dongo told the media.