Mine workers call for improved working conditions

GWERU – The Zimbabwe Mines Workers Union (ZMWU) has urged employers in the industry to
improve employees’ working conditions as stipulated in the Labour Act.
Speaking during an interview, ZMWU national organiser, Cotten Ndlovu raised concern over
rampant violations of the Labour Act.
He said the law was clear on the conditions of service that should be adhered to.
We have realised that employers are not providing decent accommodation for workers, salaries are
way below the poverty datum line, no entertainment in residences and inadequate to no protective
equipment, Ndlovu said.
He said according to the latest salary scale tabled by ZMWU, the lowest-paid worker in the industry
must earn US$355 but some employees were getting less than US$100.
“On the issue of protective equipment, most mines provide sub-standard clothing that leaves the
employees partially exposed to dangers. Some of these companies are failing to provide adequate
up-to-standard accommodation,” he said.
Ndlovu said some foreign companies do not provide adequate accommodation for their employees
who end up sharing at a ratio of 1:8, thereby depriving them of the right to privacy and exposing
them to health hazards due to overpopulation.
In some cases, Ndlovu said accommodation does not have electricity, thereby depriving mine
workers of current affairs and refreshments as they spend most of their time there.
He said they currently have a case of non-payment of salaries and terminal benefits by Gwende
Mine in Kwekwe where 53 workers' contracts were terminated without retrenchment packages in
2019 after the mine was sold to another owner.
“The issue has been filed before the National Employment Council for the mining industry (NEC) for
determination,” said ZMWU national organiser.