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International solidarity is crucial for Zimbabwe trade union movement says activist
19 December 2008
A trade unionist from Zimbabwe, who was arrested two weeks ago for attending a peaceful demonstration, has highlighted the importance of international solidarity for the future of the country’s trade union movement.
Speaking at the ITF Rail Workers’ Section conference in Curitiba, Brazil, from 10-12 December, Gideon Shoko, General Secretary of the ITF-affiliated Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railway Workers’ Union (ZWARU) outlined the dire situation in Zimbabwe. He explained: “It has become very difficult to bargain from the side of the union. In October an amount was agreed, which at that time was worth something, but which now is not even worth a slice of bread.”
“Zimbabwe is in a difficult situation – the cholera outbreak; shops are empty. There is a cap on the amount people are able to withdraw – 100 million dollars [US$108] a week – 1kg of meat costs 80 million [US$86], bread costs 2.5 million [US$2.70] and a return trip in a combi taxi to buy these costs 10 million [US$10.80]. Very high inflation. Not even countries in war have such high inflation. Without help from the ITF and its affiliates we will not get anywhere.”
He praised the action taken by the ITF and its affiliates to help secure the release from detention of several trade unionists, including himself and Keneth Nemachena, ZWARU’s Southern Area Organising Secretary; a number of them were arrested on 3 December following their involvement in a demonstration.
Conference delegates passed an emergency resolution condemning the arrests of and assaults on Zimbabwean trade unionists for carrying out legitimate activities. They also called on the ITF and its affiliates to do everything possible to support their fellow Zimbabwean trade unionists in their struggle to play their part in restoring democracy and rebuilding the country.
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