01/01/2025
31 December 2024
End of Year Statement by the General Secretary of ZDAMWU
Dear Members, Stakeholders and Mine Workers in General.
As we stand on the brink of a new year, it is imperative to reflect on challenges we have faced in the mining sector, particularly as it pertains to workers of the industry’s rights, conditions of employment and livelihoods.
The past year has revealed significant hurdles that we must confront collectively as a union and as an Industry.
Firstly, let us acknowledge the pressing issue of inadequate salaries.
Majority of mine workers are struggling to survive on wages that falls drastically short of supporting their families. The erosion of purchasing power has made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable, thus diminishing the quality of life for mine workers. This is the year that saw the unjustified continued decrease of real disposable income of mine workers and the majority of working people in Zimbabwe due to low nominal salaries, inflation and high tax regime. The devaluation of the ZiG currency completed the circle of the economic demise and ushered workers into a gloomy and sorrowful future.
Furthermore, the rampant casualization of labour in the industry continue to ravage the future of the employed through massive terminations that took place particularly in the lithium mining where over 1 000 workers lost their jobs creating an environment of uncertainty for many. This callous practices where workers are subjected to short fixed contracts is causing job insecurities and workers are denied some other rights and benefits that come with permanent employment, including right to join trade unions and participating in their union activities fearing to have their contracts terminated as well as victimisation. This trend not only undermines the workers’ stability but also threatens to erode workers collective power.
Payment of salaries affected some workers, some companies have been failing to honour their obligation by delaying salary payments, leaving families in dire financial situations as well as causing mental stress and contributing to some domestic violence within mining communities. As ZDAMWU, we must hold these employers accountable and ensure that mine workers receive their hard earned wages on time.
Another critical concern arises from safety issues in the industry. Mine workers continue to work under hazardous conditions because their employers are failing to provide adequate and proper PPE exposing the safety and health of workers. Mine workers deserve to return home safely at the end of each day of hard working and it is our duty to advocate for better safety measures and enforce compliance among employers so that safety of workers is prioritized.
The limited knowledge of legal matters and provision of the Labour Act and other statutes in the industry by workers and some employers made it very difficult for the union to address some of the grievances workers face every day.
There is also a total disregard of labour laws especially by foreign investors who sometimes deliberately abuse workers to further their own capitalists’ interests creating a complex and interconnected issues related to the dispute resolution process making it very cumbersome.
The fragmentation caused by the existence of multiple unions in the industry has further complicated our fight for worker’s rights. We will be engaging progressive unions we compete with for unity and solidarity, presenting a united front to better negotiate with employers and advocate for fundamental changes that benefit all workers in the sector. Equally criminal elements masquerading as union leaders, causing confusion within workers, stealing workers hard earned money and engaging in corrupt activities will be exposed. However, this is not bound to be a simple process as there are challenges that have been encountered on the journey thus far and even those likely to be encountered in the foreseeable future.
As we move into the New Year, we renew our commitment to addressing these challenges head-on.
While we reflect on the significant challenges that have confronted us this past year, it is equally important to celebrate our collective achievements and the successful activities that have fortified our union's impact on workers' rights and community welfare. It is our unwavering mandate to demand a living wage that reflects the true value of the labour workers contribute to this vital industry.
GBVH POLICY
One of our proudest accomplishments has been the implementation of comprehensive training programs aimed at tackling the critical issue of Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) rampant in the industry and workplaces and mining community. We are proud to announce the development and rollout of our gender and sexual harassment policy made possible through the support from IndustriAll Global Union, which serves as a vital framework for ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all workers. By equipping our members with the tools and knowledge to recognize, prevent, and address instances of GBVH, we empower them to create workplaces that prioritize dignity and respect for every individual.
We have demonstrated our committed to providing a healthy, effective environment where Sexual Harassment or any form of GBVH is not tolerated because it is a violation of human rights. The union will not tolerate, condone, or allow any forms of Sexual Harassment or GBVH during its work, activities, meetings or operations, whether engaged by any of its elected officials, any Union staff member, stake holders or their representatives thereof, shop stewards or any individual who also conduct business with the Union. We are committed to provide a safe environment and publicly display the consequences of GBVH or any of its forms thereof.
SHOPFLOOR TRAINING PROGRAMMES
Moreover, with the support from IndustriAll Global Union, FES, Collaborations with CNRG, NSSA and other stakeholders, we have successfully trained workers' committees across multiple areas (branches), focusing on essential skills such as collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and understanding workers' rights. These training sessions have enhanced our members' capacity to engage effectively with management and advocate for their interests. By fostering strong leaders within our workforce, we are laying the groundwork for a more assertive and informed union representation.
Further, recognizing the importance of legal knowledge in protecting members’ rights and interests, we initiated a program to send selected members for paralegal training courses. This initiative has equipped our members with the necessary skills to navigate legal challenges more effectively, whether in negotiations or in addressing workplace grievances. To date over 50 members including leaders have graduated with the Zimbabwe Labour Center and now have diplomas’ in Labour Law, Labour Economics as well as Political Economy which knowledge will contribute to our approach to issues affecting our members and makes us stronger and more informed organization.
ATTENDANCE AT HEARINGS:
Our presence at various hearings, from mine level to labour court winning cases, has been instrumental in advocating for the best interests of our members. The union has been representing members in critical hearings and appeals ensuring that our members’ interest are represented and defended. This is our commitment to standing by our members demonstrating our dedication to achieving fair and just outcomes. We will continue to capacitate shop floor members to also represent members during hearings at mine level and we shall make sure those who will be elected to any position of the union at any level receives basic orientation and training to be able to act as members’ advocates all the time.
ORGANIZING & RECRUITMENT
Our efforts in organizing and recruitment have also yielded positive results. We have successfully expanded our membership base, bringing more voices into the union fold. The union is attracting new members from across the country, including some considered strongholds of other unions we compete with. Our approach is to engage every mine worker to join ZDAMWU because a larger membership not only strengthens our bargaining power but also reinforces our commitment to solidarity among all workers in the mining sector. We are committed to build a strong formidable union that is able to fight all forms of abuse being perpetrated against mine workers. To confirm our growth, the union was admitted into the National Employment Council of the Mining Industry where we will be engaging in robust negotiations, advocating for policy changes, and mobilize all mine workers to demand the respect and dignity they all deserve. This was a well-deserved admission and more shall continue to be done towards building our union.
SETTING REGIONS STRICTURES:
This year, we successfully established (3) three regional structures and the process in ongoing. The regional structures will enable us to better address local challenges, improve member engagement, and ensure that every voice is heard. Our commitment to decentralized operations is empowering regional leaders to respond swiftly to the needs of our members promptly, fostering a more cohesive union.
SUCCESSFUL CONGRESS:
Our 2nd Congress in Bulawayo was a monumental event that brought together members from across all our regions and was graced by several regional and local delegate unions in solidarity. It provided a platform for fruitful discussions, the sharing of ideas, and the establishment of a cohesive strategy moving forward. The engagement demonstrated our unity and determination to address the challenges we face in the workforce. The resolutions passed reflect our collective aspirations and set the stage for continued progress. We demonstrated our commitment to constitutionalism, democracy and growth, announcing that we are no longer a small union, but a global organization that is committed to advance the interest of its members.
YOUTH EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS:
In a landmark move towards inclusivity, our youth structure successfully elected a new National Youth Executive Committee to lead the youth movement for the next four years. This group of dynamic young leaders is already making impactful strides in our initiatives, ensuring that the voices of our youth are heard and valued. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that align with the evolving landscape of work and advocacy, driving forward our mission to support all members, regardless of age.
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE ELECTIONS:
Equally important was the election of our National Women’s Committee, which aims to enhance the role of women within the union and the broader workforce. With dedicated representatives advocating for gender equality and women's rights, we are establishing a robust framework for tackling the unique challenges faced by women workers. Their work will be pivotal in promoting equal opportunities and addressing workplace disparities.
ESTALISHING OF REGIONAL STRUCTURES:
We have successfully established regional structurers in three regions, this is our commitment to build grassroots structures. Looking ahead, our focus will be on completing the establishing of these regional structures in the remaining six regions by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the development of a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan. This plan is rooted in our commitment to sustainable growth and resilience. It outlines our strategic priorities for the next (5) five years, including member engagement, capacity building, advocacy for workers’ rights, and partnerships with other organizations. By implementing this plan, we aim to strengthen our infrastructure, enhance our service delivery, and ultimately improve the working conditions for all our members. The Strategic Plan will help the union to measure its success, challenges and consider other options that will enable the union to achieve its objectives. We seek to set ourselves ahead of other unions in the industry in the way we conduct our business. Theories and misconceptions about trade unions abound and our union will endeavour to address these misconceptions.
The strategic plan seeks to address the challenges faced by current workers, retired workers and possible future challenges, and give hope to the mine industry workers by finding solutions of fulfilling their needs, interests and expectations. We would like to assure members that ZDAMWU is here to make a difference and is not a carbon copy of any other union in the industry.
The work we have undertaken in the year 2024 demonstrates our resilience and dedication to uplifting the rights and conditions of every worker we represent. As we celebrate these successes, we must remain vigilant and committed to sustaining our momentum into the coming year.
Together, we will build on these achievements, addressing the challenges we face with renewed vigour and advocacy
WAY FORWARD
As we approach the New Year, I am pleased to reflect and outline our vision for the future. The year 2024 has marked a pivotal moment for the union, (ZDAMWU) as we have successfully navigated key milestones, reaffirming our commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and growth. The 2025 union agenda will priorities robust membership engagement and recruitment leveraging technology to improve mobilization.
Dubbed the YEAR OF GROWTH, BUILDING STRONG STRUCTURES FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE, the year ahead, onwards marks the breaking point of the union towards total control of the industry and becoming the union of choice for mine workers.
It is clear that the union has reached the stage of articulation, a trade union confident in its identity. We are to reflect this through various intervention we shall be making in the coming years at all levels of the labour market, locally and globally as well as at the socio-economic levels. We are proud that we have grown quantitatively and qualitatively. This is seen in what we have achieved in a very short space of time in our fight to restore mine workers dignity and struggle against a system that has been allowed to exist for too long. Our focus is total control and influence in the mining industry where we now have a voice at National Employment Council platform and developing ourselves into an innovative institution that is at the forefront of modern trade union with our revolutionary credentials intact.
The mining sector in Zimbabwe is very dynamic and a lot of changes have been witnessed in the sector in the recent years. Primarily, the sector has been growing due to the influx of foreign investors coming to explore opportunities including local investors starting new operations or expanding their operations, the opening of new lithium mines in the country including the revival of old mines that had closed or scaling down, alongside the prominence of small scale and artisanal miners creating opportunities of growth.
The Union intends to maintain its relevance and growth trajectory based on its strong belief of leaving “no mine and no mine worker behind” in its effort to transform the lives of mine workers and the conditions prevailing in the mining sector.
KEY FOCUS AREAS.
Membership Recruitment and strengthening the union through structures.
We aim to increase our membership by 20% in 2025, this involve targeted outreach recruitment drives, especially in areas and mines we have not fully penetrated and our key focus areas are:
Mapping out potential members at every mine and visit new areas that have not been reached
Create trade union networks at every workplace
Institute an inclusive recruitment drive that will grow the membership including that of women, young workers and workers with disabilities
Online registration of new members and issuance of membership certificates online.
Maintain constant communication with all members using various platforms.
Enhance visibility country-wide using different media platforms and thrive to command a majority membership.
Establishing strong organisational structures at each mining location, considers opening offices in need areas to ensure effective representation of members.
Establishing communication channels to ensure that members have a voice
Establish the women and youth structures at shop floor and branch levels
Enhancing Training Programs
In order to capacitate our members particularly leaders, at every level of our union structures, we will be introducing training programs focused on skill development and leadership training for our members –
Conduct capacity building programs for young workers in order to strengthen their skills and knowledge on trade union issues.
Implementing tailor made training programs to empower members.
Empowering members with knowledge to strengthen our collective power
Train all workers committees to effectively represent workers during hearings at workplace level
Promote gender equality
Provide training on gender equality to all members
Provide targeted training and support to the Women’s desk
Create awareness among all members on the Sexual Harassment and Gender Policies
Improving Communication
We will enhance our communication strategies to keep our members informed and engaged
Prioritising regular updates and open channels for feedback.
Influencing Workplace Change.
We will be intensifying our advocacy efforts to influence changes in practices that undermine workers’ rights and interests. This include -
Seeking reforms that address job security, fair & living wages and safe working conditions.
Promote fair labour practices and equitable treatment for all workers
Advocate for pay structures linked to production and promote decent work
Promoting Health and Wellness Initiatives:
Recognising the importance of mental and physical well-being, we will be launching initiatives aimed at supporting the health of our members and their families.
Advocate for efficient health and safety policies in the industry
Lobby through Parliament for laws that criminalise non-compliance with safety and health policies
Lobby for the establishment of a compensation fund to cater specifically for mining disasters
Promoting and defending workers’ rights and interests
The union shall be pushing for resolution of all cases targeting underpayment of wages, proper grading, non-payment of wages and unlawful dismissals/termination and unfavourable working conditions and -
Assessment of all pending and arising cases.
Handle grievances currently affecting workers across the country associated with provision of protective clothing, and unfair labour practices being exhibited by some employers, non-payment of overtime, non-remittance of statutory deductions and unclaimed pensions across the country from small to big mines.
Registration of case for litigation with NEC or Labour office across the country within 48 hours of failing to agree with any employer.
Push for reforms within the NEC, targeting reduction time frames of dispute resolution
Represent all workers at workplace disciplinary hearings.
Recognition of artisanal miners as contributors of the growth of the mining industry in Zimbabwe.
Fight all forms of corruption in the mining industry through whistle blowing
Advocating for Value Addition and Beneficiation Policies.
Support and pushing for policies that prioritise value addition and beneficiation within the mining sector for job security
Advocating for these policies means to create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic development
Engage with stakeholders to ensure fair wages and benefits that reflect the industry’s profitability.
Becoming the union of Choice
Foster a culture of inclusivity and support to attract new members.
Highlighting the benefits of union membership, such as advocacy, trainings and community support.
Create initiatives for financial literacy among workers to enhance economic resilience.
10. Advocates for amendments of laws and policies regulating the mining sector.
Advocate for the review of outdated laws and regulations
Lobby for the review of the Code of Conduct (SI65 of 1992) though it is outdated
Align CBA with new Labour Amendment Act as well as the NEC Constitution
Financial Sustainability:
Invest in income generating projects to ensure the viability and sustainability of the union and raise the organization’s revenue base outside subscriptions.
Collaboration with other organisations and Communities.
Building strong alliances with other trade unions, civil society organisations and community groups will be crucial in strengthening the union’s influence and advocacy ability.
Establish networks with local, regional and international unions for mutual benefits and cooperation.
Engaging with local communities to support shared goals and amplify the voice of workers in a broader socio-economic issues.
In solidarity, we can exert greater pressure on employers and policymakers
We are building a trade union that is admired, revered, and envied across all mines and communities in Zimbabwe where mining is taking place, because of our foresight and vision, strength of character and the ability to advance the strategic vision of mine workers.
At global, continental, and national level, we shall ensure that mining is profiled strategically in terms of the development agenda, particularly as a strategic sector for the development of Zimbabwe and the African Continent.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each subscribing member of the union, staff members and leadership for your dedication, participation, and support throughout the year. Together, we have made significant strides, and I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we can achieve even greater heights in the coming year, let us remain committed to our core values of solidarity, and justice.
Together, we can build upon our achievements and continue to work tirelessly for the rights and welfare of all our members.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It is our hope that this is just the beginning of new and better times to come for workers in the mining industry and we continue to be inspired by mine worker’s determination, resilience against harsh working environments.
Let us continue to strive for a future where every worker feels valued, respected, and empowered.
In solidarity,
JUSTICE CHINHEMA
General Secretary, ZDAMWU
0772976261/0717803553
[email protected]
[email protected]
December 31, 2024
