International trade union movement pledges support for trade unionists in Zimbabwe.

International trade union movement pledges support for trade unionists in Zimbabwe.

A special conference held in Harare from 28 to 29 September 2010 on the trade union rights situation expressed full support for the Zimbabwe trade union movement in its struggle against violations of trade union rights and for the strengthening of democratic accountability and institutions in Zimbabwe. The two-day Conference organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) which brought together representatives from the ZCTU and affiliates, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and national trade union centres in Africa, Europe and the USA discussed the Report of the ILO Commission of Inquiry on Zimbabwe and follow-up action.

Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the ITUC, in her address to the delegates, pledged continued support for the ZCTU and its affiliates in their efforts to protect and promote trade union and human rights in Zimbabwe and added, "Trade unions around the world stand in awe of your absolute determination, of the vision that you have for a dignified, democratic Zimbabwe. We stand by you.'

Lovemore Matombo, ZCTU President, pointed out that the findings of the Commission of Inquiry had vindicated the numerous complaints made by the ZCTU and its affiliates on persistent trade union and human rights violations, demanded that the Government of Zimbabwe fulfil its pledge to implement the recommendations of the COI without delay and expressed gratitude for the support from the international trade union movement.

The Conference also called for the withdrawal of all court cases against the ZCTU and demanded an immediate halt to further harassment of trade unionists and issued the following statement.

Statement from the Special ITUC Conference on the Zimbabwe ILO Commission of Inquiry and beyond

The Special Conference of the ITUC which met in Harare on 28 to 29 September 2010 welcomes the report of the Commission of Inquiry on the implementation of ILO conventions C 87 and 98 in Zimbabwe and declares its commitment to ensuring the Commission's recommendations are fully implemented.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Zimbabwe is only the second to be held in Africa and the 12^th since the ILO was founded almost 90 years ago. It is of outmost importance to the working men and women of Zimbabwe.

The report of the Commission confirms the veracity of the ZCTU's allegations of repeated and severe trade union rights violations over a number of years.

The Commission of Inquiry recommends that Zimbabwe's laws be brought into full conformity with the ILO conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining and that anti-union persecution must be brought to an immediate end. The Commission also recommends the establishment of an effective Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission; the full restoration of the rule of law; and rights awareness training for social partners and officials in key institutions such as the courts and security sector.

Despite the government's acceptance of the CoI's findings and recommendations, there can be no complacency and the conference pledged not to let the recommendations remain a dead letter. Trade Union representatives from around Africa and the rest of the world support the ZCTU's struggle for the full implementation of all the recommendations.

The conference identified concrete proposals for measurable actions that the government must undertake. The Conference welcomed the ILO's contribution in this regard and asked for ILO assistance to be maintained.

The Conference called for the withdrawal of all court cases against the ZCTU and demanded immediate halt to further harassment of trade unionists.

The Conference is convinced that the implementation of these recommendations will bring wider benefits for civil society as a whole notably by improving standards within the judiciary and the police.

The ZCTU is dedicated to achieving justice and full democracy for the working men and women of Zimbabwe, and contribute to building a sound economic environment that can eradicate poverty and provide decent work and living standards for all.

The Conference deplores the lack of an employment-driven growth model with decent work at the heart of government policies. Action must be taken to reduce wage disparities, which are among the highest in the region, and increase transparency in the economy to counter corruption and the misappropriation of national resources.

The Conference recognises that the road ahead is difficult and the ZCTU will need the full solidarity of the international labour movement at a time when human and trade union rights violations persist and concern is mounting with the prospect of fresh elections. Attacks on trade unionists and other perceived opposition forces have been a constant feature of recent elections and violence is already affecting the constitutional outreach process. The constitutional review should be a people-driven process and the suppression of dissenting voices has to end. The Conference pledged to stand firmly alongside the ZCTU and support its capacity to fully play its role as a leading force for justice, democracy and nation building.

The Conference appeals to national governments, regional and international bodies, such as the African Union and SADC, to play their part in helping Zimbabwe achieve a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. The ILO Commission of Inquiry should serve as an example of tripartite positive engagement.

Success in bringing justice to Zimbabwe would be a major milestone in the struggle for democracy and workers' rights in Africa and beyond. The courage and determination of the trade union movement in Zimbabwe remain an example and inspiration for working men and women around the world.