By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has criticized the government for sacrificing the country’s sovereignty to Chinese investors   who have endlessly abused workers’ rights across the country’s economic sectors.

In a statement, newly elected ZCTU Secretary General, Tirivanhu Marimo criticized the conditions of work at Sino Bikita Minerals underscoring that such conditions are synonymous with what workers are experiencing at most companies originating from China.

“As labour we are gravely concerned about the alarming escalation of labour rights violations in Chinese-run mining operations, particularly at the Sino Bikita Lithium Mine. Reports of workers being beaten, intimidated, and subjected to degrading treatment by both foreign managers and their local accomplices are not only barbaric but out rightly unlawful,” he said.

The labour leader who is also a practicing lawyer , said such conduct  flagrantly violates the Constitution of Zimbabwe Sections 51, 53 and  65 which guarantees every person’s inherent dignity, freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and the right to fair and safe labour practices.

 Marimo said  the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], section 4A which prohibits forced labour, workplace violence, and requires employers to provide conditions consistent with the health, safety, and respect of workers.

He underscored that the actions also contravenes International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions as he called for urgent interventions to reprimand the miner.

He said it is time for the constitution of a tripartite engagement  to address the broader pattern of abuse in the mining sector and to establish enforceable binding standards.

Added Marimo, “The mounting complaints of barbaric conduct at Chinese operations therefore constitute not just a breach of labour rights, but a direct assault on Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, exposing contempt for both human rights and the rule of law.

“If the Government’s mantra of “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” is to carry the desired legitimacy, it cannot serve as a smokescreen for imported modern-day slavery, where foreign investment becomes synonymous with unchecked violence, exploitation, and impunity.”