By Own Correspondent

A recent United States report on the rights situation in Zimbabwe has slammed the government for not doing enough to guarantee workers’ rights amid concerns of lacking political will to address issues affecting workers.

The report compiled annually by the US Department of State says during the year 2022, the Public Service and Labour Ministry  did not do enough to enforce the country’s labour laws and protect workers.

“Penalties for conviction of violations of freedom of association or collective bargaining laws were not commensurate with those for similar violations. Those charged with violating the law were subject to lengthy judicial delays and appeals,” said the report.

The study also accused the government of demonstrating an unwillingness to implement collective bargaining rights enshrined in the 2013 constitution, including through its limited participation in social dialogue under the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF).

The TNF is a body established by law which formalises dialogue efforts among government, labour leaders, and employers on social and economic policy.

“Labour unions, under the leadership of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), stated the forum did little to address their demands for wage increases and labour law reform, and the government showed little progress in supporting workers’ protections, fairness in addressing labour and national problems, or the peaceful resolution of labour disputes,” says the rights report.

It also pointed out that government interference with trade union activity was common, including infiltrating unions to hamper their effectiveness and introducing new unions affiliated with the ruling party.

“Police and state intelligence services regularly attended and monitored trade union meetings and other activities. Police or ZANU-PF supporters sometimes prevented unions from holding meetings with their members and carrying out organizational activities.

“Although the law does not require unions to notify police of public gatherings, police demanded such notification. Parastatal unions were generally perceived as pro-government,” the dossier established.

“The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Committee on the Application of Standards has noted serious violations of fundamental rights by government security forces, including a clear pattern of intimidation, arrests, detentions,” the report added.