By Admore Marambanyika

Social partners have signed a Decent Work Pledge aimed at improving worker protection, productivity and fair labour standards in the construction industry.

Government, employers and labour unions representatives committed themselves to safer and more equitable workplaces that will benefit both businesses and employees.The chief director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Clifford Matorera, said the initiative was aimed at building consensus among social partners towards promoting decent work for construction workers.

“This campaign marks a very important occasion, one that aims to promote decent work in the construction industry. It guarantees dignity for workers and their families and reduces poverty, promotes social stability, ensuring that economic growth benefits all,” he said. 

He noted that the nation’s vision for 2030 relies on a safer, inclusive and economically empowered Zimbabwe that respects and protects its workforce, adding that decent work is both a moral and economic obligation. atorera noted that safety gaps, informal employment and skills shortages continue to undermine sector growth adding that many companies still lack proper safety protocols, while women and vulnerable groups remain marginalised. 

He said the Government is strengthening occupational safety and health regulations, investing in vocational training and accelerating the formalisation of small construction firms. 

ILO Country Director Ms Philile Masuku said that the pledge is came at a time when construction activity is expanding rapidly nationwide. 

“Construction companies report strong demand, particularly in civil works, signalling that the sector is becoming an increasingly important driver of employment, investment and local enterprise growth. The ILO estimates 2,93 million workers die every year due to work-related causes; more than 60 000 deaths occurring specifically in the construction industry,” she said. 

Masuku warned that growth must be matched by strong safeguards and that enterprises benefit directly from decent work as safer workplaces lead to higher productivity, lower turnover and improved performance. 

ZCTU Deputy Secretary General Runesu Dzimiri lamented over the extend labour violations in the industry by some foreign investors.

“We applaud the ILO in coming up with a pilot project on Decent in the Zimbabwe. We face serious challenges of decent work deficits following the construction boom the country is facing. We have serious misgiving particularly as pertaining to Chinese companies who seem to ignore the issues of decent work in their companies. Some openly say they are protected by some authorities.  The decent work deficit in Chinese Companies range from health and safety,   unfair wages and exploitative contracts poor social protection and complete disregard of labour rights. We call upon the government of Zimbabwe to reign in these wayward friends of ours from the East. We do not want workers to take the law into their hands,’ he said.

Dzimiri added that enhancing workers' rights and social protection is crucial for ensuring fair treatment, income security, and overall social justice in the modern economy.

He said strong social protection systems, which can be financed through social insurance or general taxation, help stabilize economies, protect vulnerable populations against life cycle risks, and reduce poverty. 

Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe representative, Dr Misheck Ugaro, said employers endorsed the pledge because it enhances consistency, competitiveness and long-term stability. 

“Decent work is not a privilege, it is a right,” he said.