Matombo, who is currently the leader of the splinter Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, said that on several occasions his organisation had engaged the government through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, but nothing had been done.
“There are many cases of labour abuses at mines and construction companies. We have talked about this with the government, but they are failing to address the issue because the Chinese seem to be above the law,” said Matombo.
Chinese employees do not allow their workers to belong to trade organisations.
“There are no worker committees with the Chinese. If a worker questions the authorities, he is fired. It’s difficult to bring the Chinese to task because they are protected by the government,” said Matombo. Matombo said that Chinese had virtually taken over, and through their bilateral agreements with the government they escaped punishment.
The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Xin Shunkang, said Chinese companies were following the country’s labour laws.
Post published in: News