Solidarity with Trade Unionists in Zimbabwe

Solidarity with Zimbabwe Trade Unionists

Report of the Conference held on 4 November 2006 in Congress House

A major Conference on Solidarity with Zimbabwe Trade Unionists organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and Amicus was held on Saturday 4 November 2006 in Congress House, London. It was attended by a large number of trade unionists, representatives from NGOs, human rights activists and members of the Zimbabwe community in the UK.

In his opening remarks, Euan Wilmshurst, Director of ACTSA, told the Conference chaired by Lela Kogbara, Chair of ACTSA, that the people of Zimbabwe were unfortunately engaged in a second liberation struggle to free themselves from the clutches of an oppressive regime; warmly welcomed the speakers; and expressed deep gratitude to the TUC and affiliates, especially Amicus, for their generous support for the work carried out by his organisation.

Lord Triesman of Tottenham, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for relations with Africa, condemned the brutal repression of human and trade union rights by President Mugabe's regime and described the social, economic and political crisis facing the country. He stressed the importance of the action by the international community to support the people of Zimbabwe in their heroic struggle to preserve democracy and promote the rule of law and good governance. While congratulating the TUC, individual unions and ACTSA for their solidarity action, he underlined the need for maintaining the existing EU sanctions and for mobilising international support to bring pressure to bear on the Government of Zimbabwe, especially within the African Union. He emphasised that the democratic opposition to the regime needed to be united and have a credible plan for the transition.

Lovemore Matombo, President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), gave a graphic account of the crisis in Zimbabwe and of the background to it. The ZCTU had to bear the brunt of the Government's violent onslaught on the opposition, as it enjoyed the support of all progressive forces and had become a focal point for opposition against the President Mugabe's autocratic regime. The Government had wrongfully accused the ZCTU of a plot to overthrow it when they were only exercising their democratic rights to protest against hyperinflation, shortages of food and essential medicines. In reply to a question from the audience on support from the trade union movement in Africa, he assured delegates that there was strong support for their position from national trade union centres in Africa, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in South Africa.

Frances O'Grady, TUC Deputy General Secretary, recalled the arrests and assaults of trade unionists that took place on 13 September 2006, expressed solidarity with the ZCTU in its efforts to protect and promote trade union and human rights in Zimbabwe and pledged to continue to collaborate with the British Government to exert pressure on the Government of Zimbabwe through EU institutions and mechanisms. Her speech is on the TUC website at http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-12607-f0.cfm

Paul Talbot, Assistant General Secretary, Amicus, said that he was privileged to have led the General Council delegation to the ZCTU Congress in May, that he was impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of trade union colleagues despite the chaos brought about by the Government of Zimbabwe and that his union was fundamentally committed to supporting trade union colleagues in Zimbabwe.

Kate Hoey MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe, told the Conference that the people of Zimbabwe needed support from the international community to overcome the current difficulties, that they were badly in need of resources to improve their day-to-day life and working conditions and that it was absolutely necessary to change the international perception of President Mugabe's Government.

Claude Moraes MEP, regretted that there was general apathy in the European Parliament on issues concerning Zimbabwe, that there were a number of ways including ACP mechanisms to put pressure on EU institutions on Zimbabwe and that a strong case should be made for renewal of sanctions.

In their concluding remarks, speakers underscored the need for close collaboration with the international community, notably the EU, in order to support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to come to terms with the worsening economic and social conditions through humanitarian assistance and advocacy of good governance, human and trade union rights and the rule of law. The TUC will be working with sister organisations in key European countries to press the case for retaining EU sanctions against Zimbabwe, and with international colleagues to keep the pressure up on the Zimbabwean regime. Solidarity with the ZCTU will be an essential component of the campaign.

You can donate to the TUC Aid appeal for Zimbabwe at http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-12424-f0.cfm