Rights commission urges govt to put a stop on worker rights abuses by foreign miners

By Auther Chimbgwa

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called on government to enforce fair labour practices among foreign mining companies operating in Zimbabwe with the bulk of their shop floor workforce comprising locals.

In a statement to mark the annual Workers’ Day commemorations on Thursday, the commission noted the continued exploitation of workers in the country by employers.

The commission made particular mention of foreign firms that have been condemned for abusing workers’ rights.

“… The Commission is concerned about the abuse of workers’ rights by foreign investors in the extractive mining sector,” ZHRC said.

“The Commission calls on the Government to prioritise improving the working conditions, rights and entitlements of workers, ensure enforcement of fair labour practices, promote healthy and safe working conditions as well as uphold humane treatment of workers in that sector in compliance with national laws.”

While the rights Commission did not mention the companies, Chinese mining firms in Zimbabwe have been fingered by labour groups for presiding over low wages, poor working and housing conditions, lack of medical support, job insecurity and sometimes physical abuse.

The Commission further noted that challenges persisted in the fulfilment of workers’ rights in Zimbabwe.

“In particular, public sector workers continue to receive low salaries which makes it difficult to afford a decent standard of living.

“Incomes of workers in most sectors continue to be depleted by high inflation and macro-economic pressures and unfavourable exchange rates between the United States dollar and the local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG),” the Commission said.

ZHRC also pointed out that it was concerned about the viability of formal businesses, thus resulting in poverty, job losses, and limited income options.

“High unemployment levels have led to a surge to unregulated and often chaotic informal trade. This has eroded the tax base resulting in a heavy tax burden on the formal workers,” the Commission said, urging a downward review of taxes in place of a “more balanced alternative means of raising revenue”.