The Labour Court of Zimbabwe has nullified the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)’s decision to retire its Secretary-General, Japhet Moyo, at age 60, ruling the move was legally flawed.
Justice Samuel Kudya, who delivered the judgment, found that the retirement violated key contractual and procedural safeguards, including Moyo’s right to be heard.
Moyo challenged the decision, arguing it breached his employment contract, the union’s constitution, and the Labour Act. He sought reinstatement with full benefits or compensation and legal costs.
ZCTU defended the retirement as consistent with established practice, noting that Moyo had previously overseen similar retirements.
However, the court disagreed, finding no clause in Moyo’s contract specifying retirement at 60 or 65, and ruled that the ZCTU constitution did not support the action taken.
Justice Kudya cited the City of Harare v Mubvumbi case, stressing that pension regulations do not establish a retirement age unless clearly stated in a contract.
He also upheld Moyo’s argument under Section 12(4)(a) of the Labour Act, which prohibits employers from unilaterally retiring employees. Ruled Justice Kudya:
<blockquote>
The new amendment sought to take away the power of an employer to retire an employee.
</blockquote>
Justice Kudya also found that Moyo’s retirement had been decided without proper consideration of his specific employment terms or a fair comparison to other retirees.
Citing ZESA v Stefavo, he ruled that “the right to be heard is the cornerstone of the law” and could not be disregarded in this case.
The court ultimately set aside ZCTU’s decision of August 7, 2024, and ordered the union to revisit the matter after allowing Moyo to present his case.
Each party was ordered to bear its own legal costs.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200040818/labour-court-reinstates-zctus-secretary-general">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

The Labour Court in Zimbabwe said ZCTU could not make Japhet Moyo retire at 60. They did not follow the rules. Moyo said his contract and the law protect him. ZCTU argued it was normal to retire at 60. But the court did not agree. They said there was no clear rule about this. Moyo should have been heard before deciding on his retirement. The court told ZCTU to listen to Moyo and decide again. They also said both sides should pay their own legal fees.

Labour Court Rules ZCTU Retirement Of Secretary-General Unlawful

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has condemned the recent arrests of several pro-democracy campaigners in the country.
In a statement released on August 2, ZCTU Secretary-General Japhet Moyo denounced the ongoing arrests, saying that they are intended to instil fear among the citizenry. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is seriously concerned with the reports of ongoing arbitrary arrests and alleged torture of human rights defenders ahead of the 44th SADC summit of heads of State.
Reports also indicate that on Wednesday 31 July 2024, ARTUZ General Secretary Robson Chere and three others were ejected from their plane as they prepared to fly out via the Robert Mugabe International Airport.
Chere was said to have been heavily tortured with gruesome photos circulating on social media. We call upon the state to prioritize the protection of citizens and demand timely and thorough investigations into the matter for justice to be meted out.
The right to demonstrate is a fundamental right of every citizen. We are seriously concerned with the current trend of arrests of citizens as well as human rights defenders in the country and call upon security agencies to exercise restraint and tolerance.
Even those who are arrested have a constitutional right to bail and must be brought before the courts in a reasonable time.
The current situation where people are arrested and spend months on end in detention without trial is completely unacceptable. The rule of law must be adhered to, to the later.
The ZCTU strongly condemns these arrests that are meant to instil fear in the general public. It is such behaviour which continues to tarnish the image of Zimbabwe. We demand transparency on arrests.
We demand an environment conducive to freedom of association and assembly where every Zimbabwean can discharge his or her duties without fear of being arrested, tortured or abducted.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The ZCTU is very upset about all the arrests of people who want democracy. They say that the arrests are meant to scare people. The ZCTU wants the government to protect citizens and make sure investigations are done properly. They also want people to be able to protest without being arrested. People who are arrested should be given bail and go to court quickly. The ZCTU is against arrests that scare people and say that everyone should be able to do their duties without fear. They want the government to be transparent about arrests and make sure people have freedom to do what they want.

ZCTU Condemns Wave Of Arrests Targeting Pro-Democracy Activists

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has requested an urgent meeting with Central Bank Governor John Mushayavanhu to discuss the impact of the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) on workers.
Mushayavanhu presented the MPS on Friday last week and the introduction of a “structured currency”, known as Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) was the major highlight of the presentation.
ZiG is backed by a composite basket of foreign currency and precious metals (mainly gold) held by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
According to a letter seen by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/trade-unions-request-urgent-meeting-with-rbz-governor-over-new-zig-currency-confusion/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> dated April 8, 2024, signed by the ZCTU secretary general, Japhet Moyo and addressed to Mushayavanhu, price hikes have eroded the majority of workers’ earnings who are now failing to make ends meet. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
The working people of Zimbabwe have already suffered immensely as wages have failed to keep pace with price hikes.
The situation has worsened rendering it practically impossible for workers across all sectors to earn the current salaries and sustain their families or be able to go to work.
In this vein, the ZCTU is requesting an urgent audience whose agenda would be to discuss and understand the Monetary Policy and its implications on workers.
</blockquote>
According to the RBZ, on Tuesday, 09 April, the ZiG strengthened by 0.2% to 13.53 per US dollar, up from 13.56 per dollar the previous day.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZCTU Request Urgent Meeting With RBZ Governor Over Monetary Policy Statement

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Japhet Moyo has cautioned that the proposed structured currency is at risk of failure, citing the lack of consultation with key stakeholders by monetary authorities prior to its launch.
A structured currency is a unique type of money system that combines features from both traditional fiat currencies and commodity-backed currencies.
It’s like a blend of two worlds: part fiat (based on trust in government regulations and central bank policies) and part commodity-backed (linked to a tangible asset, such as gold).
The introduction of a structured currency is an attempt to address these issues and stabilise the Zimbabwe dollar.
However, economic commentators argue that people still need to trust the government and central bank for the structured currency to work effectively.
According to NewZimbabwe.com, Moyo asserted that past government interventions aimed at addressing persistent economic challenges primarily faltered due to authorities’ disdain for other crucial stakeholders. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been there before – from agro bonds, bearer cheques, bond notes, RTGS, Nostro, ZWL, to Gold coins among other attempts to improve the economy and tame inflation to no avail. Once beaten, twice shy.
As most Zimbabweans are aware, since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has implemented no less than 30 economic blueprints and these blueprints have failed to extract ourselves from the problems the country is facing.
In the process, Zimbabweans and workers have lost everything they have worked for their entire life – from pensions, insurance policies and savings.
</blockquote>
Moyo criticised the government for failing to engage with labour on critical policy matters, asserting that national ownership of programs offers significant gains without any corresponding losses. He said:
<blockquote>
What is unfolding in Zimbabwe is most worrying where the government has a silo mentality. How do we expect to succeed when programmes are being rolled out without stakeholder participation?
How can the government approve such a fundamental policy on currency without stakeholder participation and ownership?
What is the purpose of such high-sounding platforms like the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF)? This “we all know it” syndrome must come to an end.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) on Thursday said the plan to launch the structured currency should be deferred until citizens are allowed to express their views on the matter.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZCTU Criticises New "Structured Currency" Launch

Workers have expressed dissatisfaction with the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/010/treasury-reviews-paye-and-personal-income-tax/">government’s recent review of the tax-free threshold</a>, which has been increased to $500,000 starting this month. They argue that there is nothing to celebrate because the majority of workers earn below that figure. The previous tax-free threshold was $91,666, with the highest marginal tax rate of 40% applicable to salaries of $15 million and above.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo/">Japhet Moyo</a>, the secretary-general of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions/">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions</a>, criticised the government for ignoring the plight of the long-suffering workers. He stated that the new tax-free threshold fails to address the fundamental needs of workers and highlighted that anyone earning $500,000 is still below the poverty datum line. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
They have done absolutely nothing. The new tax-free threshold does nothing with regards to addressing the fundamental workers’ needs.
You cannot tax the poor. Anyone earning $500 000 with the prevailing market rate is earning below the poverty datum line.
</blockquote>
According to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, a family of six now requires $2.6 million per month to survive. Despite these rising costs, the average salary of the least-paid civil servants is $250,000, excluding US dollar allowances.
Various union representatives, including David Dzatsunga and Tecla Darangwe, expressed their disappointment with the review of tax brackets and called for an increase in salaries and a reduction in the tax-free threshold. They argued that the threshold should be indexed to the US dollar, considering its impact on the economy.
Obert Masaraure, the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, criticized the review for not meeting their demands for US dollar salaries. He also raised concerns about the potential devaluation of the local currency after the elections.
Recent statistics indicate that the economy is moving towards dollarisation, with a significant portion of transactions, particularly for food purchases, being conducted in foreign currency. However, the government remains committed to the Zimdollar, despite calls for its abandonment.
A report by the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development emphasised the role of diaspora remittances in sustaining the economy, as many formal workers struggle to meet the poverty datum line.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Workers Dissatisfied With Government's Tax-Free Threshold Increase To $500,000

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general Japhet Moyo has said the majority of employers in the private sector cannot afford to match the recent salary adjustments set by the Government.
The Government recently approved a 100% salary increment for civil servants, with COVID-19 allowances also increased from US$200 to $250 across sectors excluding the health sector.
Moyo said in the past the private sector had been using Government salaries as a yardstick but this time, very few can afford to do that. <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-sets-salary-bar-too-high-private-sector/">The Sunday News</a> quoted Moyo as saying:
<blockquote>
There were different reactions to the Government’s position. Some sectors sort of followed what the Government offered its workers and some are offering a bit lower and we have not heard of anyone that is offering above that yet.
It is not always that they follow what the Government prescribes to its own employees but that has been the trend for a long time.
There are employers who believe that it is unaffordable as they source foreign currency from the black market.
Not all employers get their money from the auction system so they are worried that they may not be able to match what the Government has given for its workers from where prices are usually pegged. That’s the sentiment I am getting.
Collective bargaining has been very difficult, there are many backlogs that are there in all sectors so it looks like many of these sectors will not be able to do what the Government has done for its workers this time around.
</blockquote>
However, economist Morris Mpala, said despite the 100 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, public workers still earn less than workers in the private sector. He said:
<blockquote>
The 100 percent salary increase is good, yes but still civil servants rank low as compared to the private sector.
It is of course in the right direction that they were awarded this increase but it does not really motivate the private sector to do much as they still remain high in terms of salary rankings.
</blockquote>
Most of the time, civil servants rarely enjoy a salary increment because as soon as an announcement is made, shops and service providers hike prices and the exchange rate also shifts on the parallel market.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Private Sector Cannot Match Government's Salary Increment - ZCTU

Workers’ unions yesterday reiterated their call for salaries in United States Dollars (USD) with one union saying the lowest-paid worker should get US$840. 
They said United States dollar salaries were the only way to cushion workers from the inflationary economy. 
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Unions secretary David Dzatsunga said they were now demanding US$840 for the least-paid civil servant. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007205/demand-for-us-salaries-grows-louder">NewsDay</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
It is the only way we can cushion workers from the rampant Zimbabwe dollar inflation. I believe that our position now stands at about US$840 for the lowest-paid worker if we are going to obtain a food basket. In our next round of meetings, we are going to press on for US$ salaries.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ secretary-general Japhet Moyo said employees now deserved to be paid in foreign currency to make ends meet. He said:
<blockquote>
The economy has dollarised but workers are not getting US dollar salaries.
During the last round of negotiations which took place in December, government acknowledged that the economy was dollarising, hence agreeing to US$150 for the lowest-paid worker.
The talks ended in a deadlock as to how the US$ salaries should be implemented. The option was either government introduces a statutory instrument or the money is paid in the local currency, but equivalent to US$. Employers preferred the latter and this is where we are.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe dollar which was re-introduced in February 2019, after being ditched for a decade, has been continuously shedding value against other currencies, particularly the USD.
The depreciation of the local currency has promoted the use of foreign currency.
Public sector workers have over the years asked the government to restore their pre-October 2018 salaries that werearound US$540 on average. The government has said it does not have enough forex to pay them that amount.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Our Position Now Stands At About US$840 For The Lowest-paid Worker" - Union

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> has urged Finance and Economic Development Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube">Mthuli Ncube</a> to consider integrating employment into the budget.
ZCTU speaks as the unemployment rate is continuously rising in Zimbabwe as the local industry is collapsed. 
Presenting the post-Mid-Term Budget Review analysis this week, ZCTU secretary general, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo">Japhet Moyo</a> told NewZimbabwe.com that the treasury boss ought to depart from the routine budgeting processes, which are silent on job creation. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
In line with international best practices, the country must adopt a pro-employment budgeting framework which integrates and mainstreams an employment perspective in planning and budgeting process.
Under this framework, the Public Service and Labour Ministry must have adequate fiscal resources and capacity to implement labour market policies and to coordinate the implementation of a national employment policy and strategies with key productive ministries such as the Agriculture and Industry ministries, among others.
</blockquote>
Moyo argued that the bulk of Ncube’s interventions over the past years have not done enough in dealing with socio-economic ills such as unemployment and poverty thereby leaving the majority of the citizens vulnerable to the impacts of inflation.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

ZCTU Secretary Urges Finance Minister To Integrate Employment Into The Budget

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 30% of Zimbabwe’s <a href="https://vacancymail.co.zw/categories/admin-office-jobs-in-zimbabwe/">formal jobs</a> were lost in 2020 The Zimbabwe Independent reports.
This was revealed by the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe President Mr. Israel Murefu who told the publication that:
<blockquote>..as much 30% of the country’s formal sector lost their jobs as the pandemic ravaged the country’s battered economy.</blockquote>
While the country’s National Employment Council (NEC) estimated that 1,2 million workers were left jobless over a period of 18 months as a result of Zimbabwe’s economic chaos and the Covid-19 pandemic.
When the lockdown started this year in March, a number of companies terminated contracts for short-term workers, and some cut salaries for permanent workers while some reduced working hours for those <a href="http://vacancymail.co.zw/jobs">permanent workers</a>.
ZCTU Secretary General Japhet Moyo said there were many disruptions in production this year which in turn affected the workers’ earnings:
<blockquote>There were massive disruptions in production in 2020 resulting in small business completely folding up. The plight of many workers was dire in 2020. Those <a href="http://vacancymail.com">workers</a> who survived had to endure long periods without salaries or on half pay.
Wages were already affected by the SI 142 of 2019 and the majority of workers never recovered.The majority are going for the festive season with salaries that would not last them until January.</blockquote>
The tourism industry has already crown 2020 as the worst year in terms of tourism as countries and many tourist attractions were either closed and or on lockdown as a COVID-19 containment measure.
More: <a href="https://vacancymail.co.zw/categories/admin-office-jobs-in-zimbabwe/">Vacancy Mail</a>

30% Of Zimbabwe's Formal Jobs Were Lost In 2020 - Report

The Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima has urged workers to ignore all protests being planned by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), New Zimbabwe reports.
According to the publication, the minister was reportedly shocked by ZCTU mobilising workplace-based demonstrations before exhausting the necessary formal channels to address the plight of the employees.
Speaking to the publication, Mavima reportedly said the demonstration calls were made to pursue opposition political interests:
<blockquote>What is the motive behind the demonstrations? Workers must dissociate themselves from such industrial actions being organised by labour leaders who have chosen to renege on their responsibility to advance workers issues and instead pursue an opposition political agenda</blockquote>
Mavima reportedly also addressed the issue of paying salaries in USD as demanded by ZCTU and said:
<blockquote>That cannot be achieved. It is important to highlight that workers come from different sectors and they are represented at various national employment councils. So labour must make use of these platforms and engage employers in their respective sectors through dialogue and reach amicable solutions</blockquote>
When contacted for comment on the issue ZCTU Secretary General Japhet Moyo said:
<blockquote>It cannot be said to be a ‘political agenda’ unless we all agree that politics is the distribution of resources and at the moment workers are at the receiving end.</blockquote>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/28/zctu-plans-workplace-based-strikes/">ZCTU urged workers to engage in</a> workplace-based strikes in a bid to compel their employers to increase their wages.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ignore-zctus-politicised-lunch-hour-demos-minister/">New Zimbabwe </a>

Do Not Engage In Planned Workplace Based Demonstrations - Mavima To Employees

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general Japhet Moyo has expressed concern over the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s move to suspend the payment of salaries via mobile money platforms.
Moyo speaks after the RBZ governor, Dr  John Mangudya has said “Agents’ mobile money wallets are abolished with immediate effect,” as they were no longer serving any legitimate purpose.
Mangudya also said going forward, any other bulk payment transactions, such as payment of salaries and wages, should be processed through normal banking channels,” not through mobile money platforms as was the case for the past few years.
Speaking to NewsDay Weekender, Moyo said the Zimbabwean economy is informal, a setup that has resultantly caused many businesses to use mobile money platforms as modes of transactions including the payment of salaries. He added:
<blockquote>The way we have done our business over a period of time, we have just informalised everything, so it was a bit easier to make the payments in that platform. We need to know now how these businesses are going to be affected, especially the recipients, that is, the majority of the workers who have been getting their salaries through these mobile platforms.</blockquote>
Mobile money platforms were initially suspended after the central bank accused them fuelling money laundering.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/08/mangudya-bans-bulk-payments-of-salaries-wages/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

ZCTU SG Speaks On The Effects Of RBZ's Abolishment Of  Mobile Money Platforms

ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo has said the union is waiting for Khupe who they accuse of being a hypocrite to approach them with a request for the ZCTU to observe their court-sanctioned congress set for September this year, New Zimbabwe reports.
Moyo said they will give Khupe an answer she deserves and expressed discomfort in Khupe mentioning the ZCTU in her speeches and linking it to Tsvangirai while. he says it is an open secret Khupe was not speaking to Tsvangurai when the latter died.
Moyo speaking to the publication said:
<blockquote>We have heard on numerous occasions Khupe talking about ZCTU at her press conferences. There is concern in the labour movement that Khupe is now trying to associate herself with ZCTU when she has been out of touch with the workers for a very long time.
As workers, we are worried that Khupe and her party are claiming to be preserving Morgan’s (Tsvangirai) legacy, yet everyone knows that when Tsvangirai died, the two were not on talking terms.
So, we wonder now what legacy she is now talking about. When she comes to us, obviously she will get the answer which she deserves. We are waiting for her formal request and we will respond accordingly</blockquote>
The MDC’s first president Morgan Tsvangirai was a trade unionist who was the president of the ZCTU and the union was also instrumental in the formation of the country’s biggest opposition party.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zctu-dares-khupe-over-congress-invite/">New Zimbabwe  </a>

ZCTU Waiting To Give "Pretending" Khupe An Answer She Deserves If She Approaches Them - ZCTU

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has accused the government of using the coronavirus-induced lockdown to arrest journalists and curtail citizens’ rights.
ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said the harassment of journalists should stop and they should be allowed to do their work as they have a duty to inform the nation. Moyo said:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union notes with concern that the government is using the outbreak of COVID-19 as a scapegoat (sic) to arrest journalists going about their business and this should stop.
It is unfortunate that the outbreak is now being used to curtail people`s rights.
Journalists must be left to do their work without hindrance as they have an important role to inform the nation.</blockquote>
This follows the arrest of private media journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira for allegedly violating lockdown regulations after they interviewed three hospitalised MDC Alliance activists.
The State alleges the reporters “sneaked” in to the hospital without permission and failed to maintain social distancing as required by the law.
The duo was released on bail after spending four night in remand prison.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-using-lockdown-to-mask-clampdown-on-critics-media-labour-boss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Govt Should Not Use The Lockdown To Trample On Citizens' Rights - ZCTU

ZCTU has urged workers to boycott work till they are sure that their workplaces will not expose them to COVID-19, New Zimbabwe reports.
This was revealed in a statement by the union’s Secretary-general Japhet Moyo who said;
<blockquote>Worse still, there is inadequate transport arrangement for workers to go to work and most of them are left stranded as the public transport provider, ZUPCO fails to cope.
The ZCTU, therefore, urges workers to stop going to work under these circumstances that could potentially expose them to the coronavirus until they are satisfied that they are safe.
We are disturbed that the government abrogated its role and suddenly parcelled out its responsibilities to the private sector employers and health institutions when it comes to testing, provision of face masks, and even sanitisation of the workplaces.</blockquote>
This came after the government relaxed level 2 lockdown restriction measures that previously required <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/05/05/businesses-no-longer-required-to-test-workers-for-coronavirus/">operational companies to buy COVID-19 test kits to test their employees. </a>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zctu-calls-for-work-boycott-until-companies-are-covid-19-safe/">New Zimbabwe </a>

ZCTU Urges Workers To Stop Going To Work Till Their Workplaces Are COVID-19 Safe

The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) on Monday reached another stalemate with reports claiming that Government and labour are on the same side while business is against the position held by the other two parties.
The TNF met yesterday for the third time in two months over the issue of a minimum wage.
While TNF chairperson and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul Mavima</a> refused to comment on the outcome of the meeting, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japhet Moyo</a> confirmed that there was a deadlock. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>There is nothing that came out of the meeting.
There is a dispute that was there in our last meeting, which was referred to Cabinet and the same issues have been brought back today (yesterday), but nothing has materialised.
We are going to meet again after Cabinet meets hoping that this will break the impasse.</blockquote>
Workers’ salaries and wages have been ravaged by inflation following the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar. Unions have been pushing for salaries to be tied to the exchange rate for them to keep up with the depreciating local currency which has been worsened by authorities’ inconsistencies regarding de-dollarisation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-fine-tune-fungibility-provisions-tnf-hits-another-deadlock/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

TNF Meeting In Another Stalemate

Workers have slammed Finance and Economic Development Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mthuli Ncube’s</a> announcement that he would set up a currency stabilisation task force and also introduce a managed floating rate system.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> secretary-general, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japhet Moyo</a> argued that the value of the Zimbabwe dollar will likely plummet, resulting in inflation and the erosion of workers’ purchasing power. He said:
<blockquote>What the introduction of a managed floating exchange rate system means is that the cartels who have the foreign currency in Zimbabwe will decide to sell at a rate they deem fit and this can escalate to 50, 100 or even 200.
Businesses need foreign currency in order for them to import commodities, and if the rate to purchase foreign currency goes up, the prices of basic goods will also go up.
As we all know, this will result in the further erosion of salaries … and workers will continue suffering.</blockquote>
Moyo called for the scrapping of the Zimbabwe dollar and the return of the multi-currency regime or better still the adoption of the rand.
Former Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told the Daily News that the parallel rate will hit 1:100 in just a few weeks and this will prove that Mthuli Ncube has failed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/things-fall-apart-as-zim-crashes-l-black-market-runs-amok-l-prices-of-goods-skyrocket-l-wages-further-eroded/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Ditch Zimbabwe Dollar And Adopt The Rand - ZCTU

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> has warned the government that workers will embark on a crippling strike if it fails to gazette the minimum salaries for general workers at $3 800 per month.
ZCTU Secretary General <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japhet Moyo</a> released a statement soon after the ZCTU’s General Council – the highest decision-making body in-between congresses – meeting in Harare on Thursday.
The General Council had met to receive a report-back on the recent Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) outcome. Part of Moyo’s statement reads:
<blockquote>Although the General Council reaffirmed its position for Zimbabwe to use the South African Rand as an alternative, it, however, ratified labour’s negotiating team’s position of a minimum wage of $3 800 as proposed by the government as relief measure while the government stabilises the currency within six months.
The minimum wage has to be implemented through the promulgation of a Statutory Instrument under the country’s labour laws. Failure of which workers of Zimbabwe would embark on an indefinite industrial action.</blockquote>
The Union expressed concern with the high levels of corruption in the country and State capture by cartels.
The ZCTU pledge to join other “progressive” organisations in fighting corruption, illicit financial outflows and State capture.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zctu-calls-for-3-800-minimum-wage-or-workers-will-engage-in-strikes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

ZCTU Demands $3 800 Per Month For General Workers

The Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) forum members have revealed their plan to hold an all stakeholders’ summit next month.
The plan was revealed by Coalition of Democrats (CODE) leader Trust Chikohora who chairs POLAD’s economic thematic committee. He told the Standard that the forum intends to address issues such as corruption, hyperinflation and the cash crisis and come up with a work plan for the first quarter of the year. He added:
<blockquote>We will identify the four pillars of the Zimbabwean economy and tour companies and organisations.
We will lobby other countries to assist Zimbabwe in the economic resuscitation. Our economic summit to be held on February 28 will bring together all major players of the economy such as the Consumer Council, the investor community and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. </blockquote>
He also said that the recommendations from the summit will be presented to the government.
The development comes when critics to the forum have said that it is merely a waste of the taxpayers’ money and time as nothing helpful will come out of the forum.
The sentiments were reiterated by ZCTU secretary-general, Japhet Moyo who said that the labour movement was “too busy” to attend to “these talk shows.”
More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/01/12/polad-proposes-economic-summit/">The Standard</a>

POLAD Planning An "All Stakeholders" Economic Summit

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions">Zimbabwe Congress Of Trade Unions</a> has warned the government that it will soon roll out mass protests to force the government to listen to workers’ plights Daily News reports.
<blockquote>….as an agitated Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) warned yesterday that it would soon call for rolling mass actions, to protest the government’s lack of care about the worsening plight of Zimbabweans.</blockquote>
ZCTU leaders who have <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/07/16/zctu-leaders-receive-mailed-bullets-and-warned-against-22-july-stay-away/">in the past called for protests were threatened with bullets by suspected state agents</a>. The ZCTU called the explosive January protest that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/23/president-mnangagwa-blames-mdc-alliance-for-protests-and-deaths/">saw security agents killing over a dozen civilians.</a>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/10/07/wheels-come-off-zimbabwe-as-prices-still-running-amok-zctu-plans-for-mass-action">The Daily News</a>

ZCTU Warns Of Impending Mass Protests

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said that it is still waiting for feedback from Public Service minister Sekai Nzenza over its request to have representatives on the board of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The workers’ union submitted names for consideration three months ago. ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo told Business Digest that Nzenza has not yet responded despite the union writing to her twice. Moyo had this to say:
<blockquote>We have written to the minister twice over the issue of having a representative on the board. We had sent the name of our representative (Mutasa) who we wanted on the board but there was resistance from the government.
As a compromise, we then agreed to send three names for consideration which we did but we have been told that they are still undergoing vetting by security officials.
We do not know if they need to go to Tsholotsho to find out where those that we have proposed used to herd cattle. They have not told us how long this will take and we are concerned over the delay.</blockquote>
Earlier this year, Nzenza appointed a new NSSA board chaired by Cuthbert Chidoori. The other board members include Priscilla Mujuru, Mfaro Moyo, Cecilia Alexander and Arthur Manase.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2019/08/05/zctu-fights-for-nssa-board-representation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Independent</a></h4>

ZCTU Pushes For Inclusion On NSSA Board

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said in a statement on Tuesday that its leaders, president Peter Mutasa and secretary-general Japhet Moyo have received letters that had bullets in them. The statement, signed by Moyo, reads:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Peter Mutasa and Secretary General, Japhet Moyo today received letters from unidentified people that had bullets in it [sic].
The letters were warning them not to organise a stay away on 22 July 2019. The letters threatened to kill the two and harm their families. The writers of the letters said, “we have mercenaries to deal with you once and for all – unless you stop what you are planning”.
The ZCTU is taking these threats seriously and we are worried that our leaders are not safe. However, we believe the threats are part and parcel of efforts to intimidate the ZCTU leaders from discharging their duties. The police will be notified of the incident.</blockquote>
In January 2019, ZCTU planned a nationwide stay away following an unprecedented fuel price hike. The protests shook the country to its core as the country was literally shut down for several days and the leaders were subsequently charged with treason.

ZCTU Leaders Receive Mailed Bullets And Warned Against 22 July Stay Away

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), plans to call for a job stay way on the 22nd and 23rd of July following the government’s reluctance to grant workers a living wage.
NewZimbabwe.com said that leaked documents from the labour body indicate that it plans to stage a two-day protest.
ZCTU is moving with its plans discreetly for fear of a savage crackdown by State security agents as the government has increasingly shown its disdain of citizen protests over deteriorating living conditions.
ZCTU secretary-general, Japhet Moyo confirmed to the publication that the general council of the Union met on July 3 where a number of resolutions were made. He said:
<blockquote>At our meeting on the 3rd of July 2019, the general council resolved on a number of issues that we are going to be pursuing. All the issues are part of the build-up to our national action in the form of a stay away.</blockquote>
In January this year, ZCTU called for a nationwide stay away following a sharp fuel price hike.
The stay way was, however, hijacked by some malcontents who went on a looting and burning spree resulting in the deployment of security forces who used live ammunition to quell the protest.
Some of the labour leaders were subsequently arrested and charged with treason.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zctu-sets-dates-for-job-stay-away-but-keeps-them-secret/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Zimbabwe</a></h4>

ZCTU Planning Another National Stay Away

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association has parted ways with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. The association accuses the labour union of meddling in politics.
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle">Writing to ZCTU leadership, ZIMTA Manicaland provincial officer Mr Kudakwashe Mbaura said:</div>
<div></div>
<blockquote>This note serves to notify you, that a resolution was made at our national annual general conference to withdraw from ZCTU. Following this, we have recalled all our members, hence they will not be able to participate in any ZCTU business.</blockquote>
ZIMTA chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu confirmed the development in an interview with the Chronicle saying the decision was made by their national executive who noted with concern the continued involvement of the ZCTU leadership in politics. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>Zimta has been pursuing an ideology of non-partisan political activities. In our view it would be improper for a teacher who by heart and commitment does not believe in partisan politics to be dragged into opposition politics. The decision to pull out was made by our national executive meeting although it has not been formally communicated.</blockquote>
Ndlovu also said that the appointment of ZCTU secretary-general Mr Japhet Moyo to superintend over the forthcoming MDC-Alliance congress to be held in Gweru did not go well with the association.
ZCTU secretary-general Mr Japhet Moyo, however, said that ZIMTA had not officially conveyed their desire to pull out from the labour movement. He also said that he will be overseeing MDC congress in his personal capacity.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimta-leaves-zctu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a>

ZIMTA Pulls Out Of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions

<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
https://youtu.be/JZ5JeH7MneE
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has said that the new Monetary Policy Statement issued on 20 February 2019 is disastrous to the working class. Japhet Moyo the ZCTU  Secretary GEneral explains in the video above
</div>

WATCH: New Monetary Policy Disastrous To Workers - ZCTU

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is unhappy with the continued harassment of trade union officials by the state.
This follows the arrest, harassment and detention of International Trade Union Confederation’s Africa secretary general, Ghanaian Kwasi Adu Amankwah.
Amankwah was in the country on a fact-finding mission following the violent protests in January that left 18 people dead.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Moyo said:
<blockquote>The ZCTU is appalled by the interrogation of the visiting SATUCC delegation by State security agents upon arrival at the Robert Mugabe International airport on Monday.
The delegation which is in the country on a solidarity visit was subjected to serious interrogation by six State agents who demanded details and the purpose of their visit, where they would be staying, whom they were going to meet as well as issues to be discussed.
… The latest action is a clear indication of the government’s intolerance to trade unionism and that it is running scared of scrutiny.
Maltreatment of trade unionists continues to manifests in the so-called second republic and there are no indications towards reforming.</blockquote>
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/gvt-in-fresh-run-in-with-trade-unions-after-another-hold-up-in-harare/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

ZCTU Appalled By State Harassment Of Trade Unionists

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions on Tuesday issued a press statement calling on their members to be undeterred and to soldier on.
<blockquote>SUBJECT – ZCTU WILL NOT BE DETERRED BY GOVERNMENT CLAMPDOWN
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) would like to assure workers and citizens that it will continue to carry out its representative mandate without fear despite the heavy military clampdown on its 14-16 January stay away.
We note that issues that prompted the January stay-away have not been fully addressed and we will not be deterred by the unleashing of the state repressive apparatus on workers and citizens. The price madness is still raging, fuel is still unaffordable and workers are still being paid RTGS and bond notes when most commodities are being charged in hard currency.
While we re-emphasize our call for workers and citizens to desist from violence during protest actions we urge them to continue demanding accountability, jobs, affordability of basic commodities, good governance and state protection.
We would like to remind the government that the right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and security services must be used to facilitate such free expression, not as weapons against civilians. Unleashing security services against civilians will not solve the socio-economic strife.
In the wake of such challenges affecting workers and citizens, the ZCTU will not abandon workers and citizens but would continue to capacitate them through necessary training on their rights.
The ZCTU demands that the government addresses socio-economic structural mismatches and implement practical policies that recognise workers’ rights and dignity.</blockquote>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-77316 size-full" decoding="async" height="768" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 558px) 100vw, 558px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/zctu-press-release.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/zctu-press-release.jpg 558w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/zctu-press-release-218x300.jpg 218w" width="558"/>

FULL TEXT: ZCTU Defiant, Calls On Workers And Citizens To Be Undeterred By Government Clampdown

ZCTU secretary general Japhet Moyo was on Monday freed after a week in prison. Accused of subversion, he was granted bail by the High Court last Friday but prison authorities continued holding him, saying he faced a second charge for which he had not been formally charged.
Moyo was one of several civil society leaders and opposition political parties who were arrested on treason charges as the state descended heavily on suspected protest leaders.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-76992 size-large" decoding="async" height="394" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo-1024x576.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo-600x337.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Japhet-Moyo.jpg 1080w" width="700"/>

ZCTU Secretary-general, Japhet Moyo Finally Released After A Week In Custody

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) senior officials appeared in court on Monday facing treason charges or, in the alternative, inciting public violence.
The Union’s president Peter Gift Mutasa (41) and secretary general Japhet Moyo (54) appeared before Harare magistrate Elijah Makomo and were advised to approach the High Court for bail pending trial. they were remanded in custody to February 8.
The two union leaders allegedly recorded a video in connivance with This Flag leader Evan Mawarire encouraging civil disobedience. The state also claims that the video coerced Zimbabwean workers not to report for duty.
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<h4>More: <a href="https://mailandtelegraph.com/2019/01/29/zctu-leaders-in-court/">Mail and Telegraph</a></h4>

ZCTU Leaders In Court Facing Treason Charges, Remanded In Custody To February 8

The government has called for a Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF) with its partners for this Monday, 14 January 2019.
The Forum was last convened more than a year ago. The TNF brings together the government, business and labour representatives. The objective of the Forum is to deliberate on economic issues and pursue a mutual agreement that does not hurt any of the parties’ interests.
ZCTU secretary general, Japhet Moyo confirmed that his organisation has been invited for the Forum. Said Moyo;
<blockquote>Yes, we received the invitation and we are preparing our submissions to the forum on behalf of the country’s workers. Like we have said before, we lack serious partnership especially on the part of the government.
The Ministry of Labour seems not influential in the cabinet or within the power dynamics of the ruling elite. Most of our engagements are talk shows with no bearing in broader policy direction within the ruling elite.
The good example is the Kadoma Declaration that was launched by then-President RG Mugabe. We still have the same country risk factors hindering investment.
Unilateralism is another big challenge and this is going to be worsened by the current philosophy being pursued by Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube who believes that he is supersonic with answers to everything and does not see the value of social dialogue or talking about a social contract.</blockquote>
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<h3><a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/panicking-govt-reconvenes-tnf-as-economy-faces-implosion/">More: Newzimbabwe.com</a></h3>

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