MINE workers in Zimbabwe want government to engage them when crafting laws that have a bearing on the mining sector.
The demand comes amid concerns that the locals are being abused by some investors considered “all-weather friends” by government.
Zimbabwe Diamond Allied and Miners Workers Union general-secretary Justice Chinhema and some mine workers called on government to consider them when making laws that concern the sector.
“The Mines ministry should consider the input of mine workers while implementing laws so that they can be protected, ensuring their safety, well-being and fair treatment,” he said.
Chinhema said the ministry should also consult trade unions as stakeholders when the extraction of resources is concerned.
“Dialogue with all parties is essential, but we see them trusting only the Chamber of Mines for information during consultations for the promulgation of laws, leaving workers in the cold. As we know, capitalists never change regardless of their colour or size,” he said.
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Chinhema said failure by the government to engage them has led to them earning meagre wages and also operating under poor working conditions, which affects their well-being.
One of the mine workers said the foreign investors, particularly those from Asia, have been ill-treating the local workers.
“Some of us who are employed by the Chinese endure racism and exploitation. We are paid differently, with the locals earning less than Chinese nationals even after doing the same job,” the mine worker said.
He said Chinese companies prioritise profits over the well-being of workers.
“At most, we conduct our work with inadequate personal protective equipment, which exposes us to high chances of being injured. We are also provided with sub-standard food and sanitation, exposing us to diseases,” the worker said.
“Government should recognise the critical role mine workers play in the nation’s economy and investment so that they can be prosperous.”
Another worker said the Chinese investors mostly work in cahoot with politicians in order to exploit the local workers, hence it leaves them disenfranchised since they have no one to report to.
“The Chinese investors use the divide and rule policy to weaken us. They pay a few locals large sums of money, who, in turn, suppress us.”