In Zimbabwe, the Solidarity Center helps build strong, democratic unions by focusing on worker rights, providing support and protection for the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, the informal economy, and civic education in the face of political turmoil.
Zimbabwe's union movement dates back to the late nineteenth century, when Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa company arrived looking for gold. Unions played a key role during three decades of nationalist struggles from the 1950s through the 1970s. Because of the thin line between unionism and political activism, which was outlawed for unions, union leaders were frequently arrested and jailed. When Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980, more than 50 unions belonged to six federations. On February 28, 1981, these unions came together to form the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, now a 300,000-member organization led by Secretary General Wellington Chibebe.
Today, Zimbabwe is in an escalating crisis. Zimbabweans are struggling with unthinkable inflation rates and 85 percent unemployment. Thousands are dying every day from HIV/AIDS, and a cholera outbreak has killed hundreds of citizens. National healthcare and financial systems are broken. Those who attempt to raise their voices are repressed and persecuted. Amid this chaos, the ZCTU is a torchbearer for democracy, worker rights, and economic and social justice. The Solidarity Center supports the ZCTU's work in the informal sector and through its union newspaper, The Worker. In addition, we support the activities of the Labour and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe, LEDRIZ, established by the ZCTU as part of the Global Union Research Network. We also provide administrative support for the ZCTU's work in the informal sector. Most important, we prepare and conduct strategic exchange programs that link union members in the United States with their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.
With Basic Education, Women Can Control Their Lives. Abigail Tatenda was just out of college in 1994 when she married Wellington Chibebe, a charismatic young union leader who would go on to become the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress. During a recent visit to the United States, Abigail Chibebe spoke to the Solidarity Center about her life as a working woman, a high-profile spouse, and a mother.
Shona Sculptors Are Part of Zimbabwe's Union Movement. Shona sculptors in Zimbabwe are part of a 2 million member association of informal workers created by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, a longtime Solidarity Center partner.
International Recognition for Zimbabwean Trade Unionist. The leader of Zimbabwe's labor body has won an international award recognizing his courage to defend the rights of impoverished workers despite the arrests, beatings, and torture he has faced at the hands of the police.
Zimbabwean Union Leaders Arrested in Peaceful Protest.The Zimbabwean government arrested 70 union leaders and activists who were delivering petitions to banks in a nationwide solidarity action to protest the financial unraveling of Zimbabwe’s economy.
Zimbabwean Labor Leader Speaks Out in DC. On August 19, 2008, Wellington Chibebe, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, spoke before an overflow crowd at the AFL-CIO about the situation for Zimbabwean workers in the economic and political crisis, the role of trade unions in ensuring democracy, and the support that ZCTU receives from the global labor movement.
Zimbabwe Unions Say Negotiations "Must Reflect the Will of the People". Leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions hailed the July 20 signing of an agreement between the ruling and opposition political parties but warned that negotiations must involve all of Zimbabwean society.
Stand Up for Zimbabwe! The Solidarity Center has joined the global labor movement in a campaign to Stand Up for Zimbabwe, launched on May 25 at a series of national events in Africa and elsewhere.
Zim Union Leaders on Bail, at Home, Lips Sealed. A Zimbabwean High Court judge granted bail of Z$20 billion (about $785) apiece to two union leaders jailed since their arrest in connection with speeches they made on International Labor Day.
Unions Worldwide Shocked at Arrest of Zimbabwe Union Leaders. The two top elected officials of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions are under arrest for “inciting people to rise against the government and reporting falsehoods about people being killed.”
African Unions Prevent Zimbabwean Bloodshed. South African dockworkers saved untold lives by refusing to unload a Chinese cargo ship packed with weapons and ammunition destined for strife-torn Zimbabwe.
Justice for Zimbabwe Workers. A postcard campaign, launched by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Solidarity Center, put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to end its brutality against trade unionists, respect worker rights, and resolve the economic crisis that has left millions of workers hungry, homeless, and jobless.
Solidarity Center Condemns Attacks on Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress. In March 2007, government security forces raided the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress and beat and arrested opposition leaders during a peaceful march and prayer vigil.
Zimbabwe Police Arrest Nearly 200 Unionists. On November 8, 2006, police arrested 123 members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in the capital city of Harare and 50 ZCTU members in other parts of the country. Three days later, following intense negotiations, all detainees were released.
Brutal Attack of ZCTU Leaders. The AFL-CIO reports on the Septmber 14, 2006 brutal police attack of peacefully demonstating trade unionists. Watch the video.
Southern Africa Exchange Program (May 2005). North Carolina AFL-CIO President James Andrews said that his experience had changed the way he sees the world.
Learn More
