Zimbabwe: government’s international reputation in the balance as it puts workers’ rights defenders on trial
Nineteen of the twenty-eight trade unionists still on trial in Zimbabwe are set to appear soon in front of courts across
the country as the government pursues its repressive tactics in the courtroom. Trade unionists have been in the
government’s crosshairs following a 2018 call for a peaceful work-stoppage in response to escalating living costs. The
international trade union movement calls for an end to the persecution.
During their prolonged trial, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ (ZCTU) General Secretary Japhet Moyo and President
Peter Mutasa were called to appear before judges no less than 19 times. All charges were eventually dropped, notably
following international trade union pressure, including through diplomatic channels and through mobilisations outside
Zimbabwe’s embassies. However, many grassroots trade unionists remain subject to long-drawn-out trials as a battle for
the judicial independence continues, in the face of the government’s politically motivated attacks.
“From violent repression to prolonged legal harassment, the government's aim remains to intimidate, discourage and sap
the energy of the trade union movement. Their refusal to engage constructively and take on board the interests of
working people in decision-making is driving profound distrust across society in Zimbabwe. It seems that the government
hasn’t yet realised that, as well as the freedom of trade unions, these cases are putting its own reputation amongst the
international community on trial. It is never too late to change course: unions remain committed to a dialogue that
respects people’s freedom of association and of assembly and to ensuring that the government governs for the people,”
said Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary.
Those on trial today hail from across the trade union movement, including the women’s and youth sections. Amongst the
twenty-eight still on trial, eight are energy sector representatives who are facing criminal charges for protesting the
non-payment of wages.
Florence Taruvinga, ZCTU Vice-President, is also amongst those on trial. She said: “The ability of working people to
have a fair representation is truly undermined. If the government dedicated even half the resources they are using in
attempts to shut trade unions down, to actually engage them positively, we would be able to make real progress. The fact
that women and youth members, groups that are under-represented, are also facing trial highlights the depth of the
disregard the government is showing to an inclusive approach.”
The international trade union movement remains in full solidarity with ZCTU, and national trade unions across the world
are again raising the issue with Zimbabwe representatives as well as their own governments.