Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has expressed concern over an escalating crisis in the diamond sector due to illicit trade and unfair labour practices.
The union’s general secretary, Justice Chinhema, said the diamond sector was in turmoil, crippled by a triple threat of plummeting productivity, rampant illicit trade and a devastating labour crisis that’s pushing the industry to the brink of collapse.
“Our members, hardworking mine workers in the diamond sector, are suffering amid a wave of layoffs, unpaid wages, and deteriorating labour standards and working conditions at the country’s three diamond mining companies in Zimbabwe, namely, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), Anjin Investments and Murowa Diamonds,” he said.
Chinhema also flagged downsizing and retrenchment at the ZCDC, where up to 600 workers have been retrenched, while 295 others have been retrenched through a voluntary process, but they have not received packages.
Chinhema said the extent of the downsizing raised serious concerns about transparency, fair labour practices and the socio-economic impact on affected families.
“As a union, we condemn any forced or unfair retrenchment processes that violate workers’ rights and dignity. We implore the company to engage with workers in good faith and not disproportionately target low-tier employees who are already vulnerable to the harsh socio-economic challenges in the country,” he said.
“Recently, workers at Anjin Investments gathered at the management offices, demanding payment of four months unpaid salaries and urgent answers regarding fair labour practices.”
Chinhema said the protest underscored the dire financial distress faced by employees, who were denied wages despite the company producing.
“This blatant neglect of workers’ rights is unacceptable and demands immediate intervention,” he said.
Chinhema also noted the sit-in over unpaid wages at Murowa Diamonds.
“This desperate act highlights the severe hardships faced by workers who have been deprived of their due compensation, further deepening the crisis in the sector,” he said.
Chinhema called on the government to intervene, adding that the authorities should ensure all outstanding wages are paid and halt the purported retrenchment at ZCDC to prevent hardships and unrest within the sector.
“The three operations should engage in honest dialogue and transparent restructuring processes that respect workers’ dignity and livelihoods,” he said.
“Our diamond sector should implement sustainable sector reforms that balance economic growth with social responsibility, prioritising value addition and beneficiation to protect jobs and create new ones.
“We stand in solidarity with our members and all diamond sector workers who are suffering due to these challenges. We demand immediate action to address these issues, uphold workers’ rights and restore stability and integrity to Zimbabwe’s vital diamond industry.”
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