THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) says 2024 was a tough year for the mining sector amid revelations that over 1 000 jobs were lost as firms navigated a tough economic environment.
In his end of year message to stakeholders, ZDAMWU general secretary Justice Chinhema said 2024 “revealed significant hurdles that we must confront collectively as a union and as an industry”.
“Firstly, let us acknowledge the pressing issue of inadequate salaries. Most of mine workers are struggling to survive on wages that fall drastically short of supporting their families,” he said.
Chinhema said the erosion of the purchasing power has made basic necessities unaffordable, thereby diminishing the quality of life for mine workers.
“The devaluation of the ZiG currency completed the circle of economic demise and ushered workers into a gloomy and sorrowful future. Furthermore, the rampant casualisation of labour in the industry continues to ravage the future of the employed through massive termination that took place particularly in the lithium mining where over 1 000 workers lost their jobs creating an environment of uncertainty for many,” he said.
The ZIG was on September 27 devalued by about 43% as part of a pledge to allow "greater exchange rate flexibiliy in line with increased demand for foreign in the economy." Chinhema said workers were subjected to short fixed contracts thereby creating job insecurity.
He said workers were being denied some other rights and benefits that come with permanent employment, including the right to join trade unions and participate in union activities fearing their contracts could be terminated.
The trade unionist said this trend not only undermined the workers’ stability, but also threatened to erode workers' collective power.
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"Payment of salaries affected some workers. Some companies have been failing to honour their obligation by delaying salary payments, leaving families in dire financial situations as well as causing mental stress and contributing to some domestic violence within mining communities," Chinhema said.
“As ZDAMWU, we must hold these employers accountable and ensure that mine workers receive their hard earned wages on time. Another critical concern arises from safety issues in the industry. Mine workers continue to work under hazardous conditions because their employers are failing to provide adequate and proper PPE [personal protective equipment], exposing the safety and health of workers.”
He said the limited knowledge of legal matters and provision of the Labour Act and other statutes in the industry by workers and some employers made it difficult for the union to address some of the grievances workers face daily.
“There is disregard of labour laws especially by foreign investors who sometimes deliberately abuse workers to further their own capitalists’ interests creating complex and interconnected issues related to the dispute resolution process making it very cumbersome,” he said.
“The fragmentation caused by the existence of multiple unions in the industry has further complicated our fight for worker’s rights. We will be presenting a united front to better negotiate with employers and advocate fundamental changes that benefit all workers in the sector.”
He lashed at some “criminal elements” masquerading as union leaders, causing confusion within workers.
“It is our unwavering mandate to demand a living wage that reflects the true value of the labour workers who contribute to this vital industry.”
Chinhema said the union's 2025 agenda prioritises robust membership engagement and recruitment leveraging technology to improve mobilisation.
He said the mining sector in Zimbabwe was dynamic and a lot of changes have been witnessed in the sector in recent years.
The unionist said the sector has been growing due to the influx of foreign investors coming to explore opportunities including local investors starting new operations or expanding their operations, the opening of new lithium mines in the country including the revival of old mines that had closed or scaling down, alongside the prominence of small scale and artisanal miners creating opportunities of growth.
“The union intends to maintain its relevance and growth trajectory based on its strong belief of leaving “no mine and no mine worker behind” in its effort to transform the lives of mine workers and the conditions prevailing in the mining sector," Chinhema said.
He said in recognising the importance of mental and physical well-being, the union is set to launch initiatives aimed at supporting the health of their members and their families.
The union will be lobbying through Parliament for laws that criminalise non-compliance with safety and health policies and the establishment of a compensation fund to cater specifically for mining disasters, Chinhema said.
