Zimbabwe’s mining sector, despite its growth and potential, continues to face significant challenges, particularly for the workers who form the backbone of the industry. With the sector being a major contributor to the country’s economy, mine workers are still grappling with low wages, precarious working conditions, delayed salaries, and safety concerns, Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) General Secretary Justice Chinhema said.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In his end-of-year statement, Chinhema said the year 2024 has been particularly difficult, marked by the erosion of workers’ purchasing power due to inflation, increasing casualization of labour, and a worrying disregard for workers’ rights, especially by foreign investors.
Chinhema pointed out that despite the mining sector’s growth, workers continue to struggle with poor wages that do not reflect the value of their labour.
“The majority of mine workers are struggling to survive on wages that fall drastically short of supporting their families. The erosion of purchasing power has made basic necessities unaffordable,” he said.
He further criticized the economic conditions of 2024, noting that inflation, high taxes, and the devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar had left workers facing a “gloomy and sorrowful future.”
He also condemned the casualization of labour in the mining industry, particularly in the lithium sector, where over 1,000 workers lost their jobs due to short-term contracts.
“This callous practice, where workers are subjected to short fixed contracts, is causing job insecurity,” said Chinhema, warning that it is leading to a loss of collective power for workers.
Failure to Pay Salaries on Time
Chinhema also addressed the issue of delayed salary payments, which has left many workers in financial distress.
“Some companies have been failing to honour their obligations by delaying salary payments, leaving families in dire financial situations and contributing to mental stress and domestic violence in mining communities,” he said.
He vowed that ZDAMWU would continue to hold employers accountable to ensure mine workers are paid on time.
Safety Issues and Lack of PPE
The statement also brought to light safety concerns in the mining industry. Chinhema warned that many mine workers continue to work under dangerous conditions due to employers’ failure to provide proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“Mine workers deserve to return home safely at the end of each day. It is our duty to advocate for better safety measures and enforce compliance among employers,” he stressed.
Foreign Investors and Labour Law Violations
Chinhema was critical of foreign investors in the mining sector, accusing some of deliberately violating Zimbabwe’s labour laws.
“There is a total disregard of labour laws, especially by foreign investors who abuse workers to further their own capitalist interests,” he said.
He also criticized the complex and cumbersome dispute resolution process, which he said makes it difficult for unions to protect workers’ rights.
Achievements and the Way Forward
Despite the grim outlook, Chinhema highlighted some of the union’s achievements. He praised the successful implementation of training programs focused on tackling Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH), which he said had made workplaces safer for women.
“We have rolled out our gender and sexual harassment policy, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all workers,” said Chinhema.
He also spoke of the union’s efforts to improve worker representation by training shop-floor leaders in collective bargaining and dispute resolution.
“Our members are now more equipped to engage with management and advocate for their interests,” he noted.
Looking forward to 2025, Chinhema said the union’s main priority would be to grow its membership and strengthen its influence in the mining sector.
“The year ahead is dubbed the ‘Year of Growth.’ We are focused on building strong structures for sustainable change and becoming the union of choice for mine workers,” he declared.
ZDAMWU, he said, will continue to advocate for better wages, job security, and safer working conditions for all mine workers, ensuring no mine or worker is left behind.
