Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza and Takudzwa Mangrozah
THE construction industry has signed a Decent Work Pledge aimed at improving worker protection, productivity and fair labour standards, with Government, employers and labour unions representatives agreeing that safer and more equitable workplaces will benefit both businesses and employees.
The signing of the pledge underscores renewed cooperation among social partners, who say the success of national development efforts depends on a construction industry where workers’ rights are upheld, risks are minimised, and employers benefit from a more reliable, skilled and protected workforce.
The chief director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Clifford Matorera, said the campaign was essential for promoting decent work for construction workers.
“This campaign marks a very important occasion, one that aims to promote decent work in the construction industry,” he said.
He noted that the nation’s vision for 2030 relies on a safer, inclusive and economically empowered Zimbabwe that respects and protects its workforce, adding that decent work is both a moral and economic obligation.
“It guarantees dignity for workers and their families and reduces poverty, promotes social stability, ensuring that economic growth benefits all,” he said.
Mr Matorera noted that safety lapses, informal employment and skills shortages continue to undermine sector growth.
He added that many companies still lack proper safety protocols, while women and vulnerable groups remain marginalised.
He said the Government is strengthening occupational safety and health regulations, investing in vocational training and accelerating the formalisation of small construction firms.
ILO Country Director Ms Philile Masuku said that the pledge is coming at a time when construction activity is expanding rapidly nationwide.
“Construction companies report strong demand, particularly in civil works, signalling that the sector is becoming an increasingly important driver of employment, investment and local enterprise growth,” she said.
Ms Masuku warned that growth must be matched by strong safeguards.
“The ILO estimates 2,93 million workers die every year due to work-related causes; more than 60 000 deaths occurring specifically in the construction industry,” she said.
She emphasised that enterprises benefit directly from decent work, noting that safer workplaces lead to higher productivity, lower turnover and improved performance.
She added that high-performing companies thrive because they create environments that offer “stability, security, meaningful engagement and effective social dialogue.”
Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe representative, Dr Misheck Ugaro, said employers endorsed the pledge because it enhances consistency, competitiveness and long-term stability.
“Decent work is not a privilege, it is a right,” he said.
He highlighted the four pillars of decent work: job creation, workers’ rights, social protection and social dialogue as central to achieving Vision 2030.
Dr Ugaro said employers are investing in improved safety systems and fair recruitment practices.
“The benefits of such consistency would be great. We can then drive with force towards our Vision 2030,” he said. “It is time for action.”
