The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mineral Workers Union (ZIDAMWU) has announced its intention to renegotiate the “outdated” Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), overhaul the remuneration package, and tackle the widespread casualization of workers within the National Employment Council.
In an interview with Great Dyke News, ZIDAMWU Secretary General Justice Chinhema outlined the Union’s goals. He stated that ZIDAMWU is now actively engaging in the NEC negotiations to drive significant changes.
Chinhema emphasized, “We believe that workers, particularly those in the mining sector, deserve a living wage that reflects their contributions and aligns with the industry’s production levels. It is essential for us to establish transparent bargaining practices that demonstrate how mining companies, despite their substantial profits, leave workers in poverty. Our objective is to eliminate the current poverty wages.”
Addressing the outdated CBA, Chinhema noted, “Our current agreement dates back to 1992, and many of its provisions, including job specifications, are no longer relevant. We will address these issues and seek to modernize the CBA.”
He also highlighted concerns about the casualization of labor, stating, “We are committed to addressing the problem of short-term fixed contracts. Mine workers should be offered permanent or long-term contracts that align with the operational lifespan of the mines. It is unacceptable for workers to be on contract when the mine is expected to operate for many years. This is a critical issue we plan to tackle.
