HARARE -- The three workers shot by the police last month at Shabanie Mine in Zvishavane were last week transferred to Harare so that they could receive specialist treatment at time when other employees have been forced to go back to work by police, according to the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).“The state security agents together with Shabanie Mine security officers visited workers in their homes on 29 September threatening them that if they did not return to work the following day (30 September) the workers should vacate not only the mine houses they were occupy but also get out of town,” ZCTU said in a statement.
On 30 September about three-quarters of the 2 280 striking workers returned to work, management then immediately began holding kangaroo court hearings. Scores of workers were dismissed in the process.
“As of 30 September seven workers have been dismissed. These workers are known by management for their MDC activism as they hold posts in the MDC Youth Assembly and Ward Executive. It seems the matter has also become an issue of discrimination on political grounds. Those who are known to belong to Zanu (PF) have been guaranteed their jobs back.”
ZCTU Zvishavane district secretary Ndodana Sitholes home was raided by police officers demanding to know what action the ZCTU was planning to take. Sithole was also warned not to meet any of Shabanie Mine employees, the Union said.
Post published in: Politics