By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has tabled plans to go back to the basics in its quest to replenish affiliate unions membership in the wake of declining membership on the back of economic difficulties led job cuts.

Speaking exclusively to The Worker ZCTU’s national organiser, Michael Kandukutu said all is set to put the plans in motion.

“Our priorities as the Organising Department for 2022 is to build from below, this means that we intend to go back to basics in as far as growing our trade union membership.

“You will note that globally the trade union density has been on a decline. The same would apply for Zimbabwe, the number of workers who are organised by trade unions has been on a downward spiral, this can however be in relation to the corresponding levels of employment in the country,” he said.

Kandukutu stressed that it was therefore, the priority for the department to intensify membership, organising and have a presence in the workplace especially at shop floor levels.

“We also seek to consolidate the various dissatisfaction of workers from all sectors of our different economic sectors towards a convergence on issues. Our campaign is towards attainment of the US$ salaries. It will be noted that of the 36 affiliates of the ZCTU one campaign has emerged and cannot be stifled as the campaign and demand for unites US$ salaries,” he said.

The labour federation’s organiser also set out intentions to capacitate the trade union organisers on the basis that they are the foot soldiers of the workers struggle.

“Key issues that we would want to empower our organisers are around issues to do with managing campaigns, membership organising and mobilising.

“We also intend to empower them with skills to deal with two demonic traits that are Labour market flexibility and productive linked salaries and wages. The economy has dollarised itself and our membership has lagged behind,” he added.