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Zimbabwe: State-owned utility tries to break union
 | In partnership with IndustriALL Global Union, which represents 50 million workers in 140 countries across supply chains in mining, energy and manufacturing sectors at the global level. |
135 energy workers at Zimbabwe's state owned utility ZESA were suspended indefinitely without pay or benefits after they threatened to strike on 10 July. The suspended workers are members and leaders of the IndustriALL-affiliated Zimbabwe Energy Workers Union (ZEWU). Management is attempting to overturn an increase to the poverty wages of ZESA workers, gained through an arbitration award. Workers have been offered full reinstatement if ZEWU abandon the wage gains. Hearings have been continually postponed while management exerts pressure. The ZEWU President and titular member of IndustriALL's Executive Committee, Angeline Chitambo (pictured), is amongst those that have been suspended. Charges against her include statements that the press has falsely attributed to her, on the basis of which ZESA is trying to institute a one year gag order which will severely impede her ability to carry out her ZEWU leadership responsibilities. Write to ZESA Chief Executive Mr J. Chifamba and tell him what you think of this unacceptable violation of workers core trade union rights.