adminIn separate interviews yesterday, Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU) and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said there would be a line-up of activities to mark the day at different centres across the country.
“May Day is a very important day for each and every worker. It is a day when workers take stock of what they have been through,” said ZFTU secretary-general Mr Bernard Danda.
He said Workers’ Day was significant to all workers, as it was a day when they converge and collectively explore their challenges and possible solutions.
“When we are united we are better placed to negotiate for better working conditions and this year, we will address issues to do with salaries because most workers are not earning competitive salaries,” said Mr Danda.
He said their commemorations for Bulawayo Province would be held at Stanley Square and various entertainment activities were lined up.
“In Harare, we will converge on the Mbare Netball Complex,” said Mr Danda.
He said their theme for this year’s Workers’ Day was: “Supporting the Indigenisation Policy and the Share Ownership Scheme”.
“We chose this theme because it seeks to empower the workers. The share ownership scheme is also key in empowering the workers and the community at large.
“As a trade union, we seek to see these policies benefiting the intended beneficiaries,” said Mr Danda.
ZCTU secretary-general Mr Japhet Moyo said the commemorations for Bulawayo Province would be at White City Stadium while the main event would be in Harare.
“We are worried with the declining number of workers we expect to mark May Day this year, out of the 36 centres that we used to have now we are left with only 24 centres for the commemorations,” said Mr Moyo.
He said their theme for the commemorations was: “By Words and Deeds, Proud to be ZCTU”.
“We chose this theme in view of the milestone achievements we have had in the last years.
“We have come up with policies such as the Beyond the Esap and the much recent Beyond the Enclave to try and offer alternatives to policies that we have now,” said Mr Moyo.
He said political parties and Government officials would give their solidarity messages as well.
“We know that there are still a few jobs but I would like to encourage workers to share ideas that are progressive and can build the country.
“On this day we also want to see the Distressed Industries and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf) coming to fruition because ever since its launch, we have only read about it in the papers,” said Mr Moyo.
Meanwhile, the Zanu-PF leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the workers’ plight as the country commemorates Workers’ Day.
In a statement, the party said it was committed to addressing challenges faced by Zimbabwean workers, adding that Zanu-PF was the party that saved workers from oppression.
“Zanu-PF wishes to reaffirm its close relationship with workers of Zimbabwe and its commitment towards addressing their welfare since it is the party that liberated workers from the chains of oppression and ruthless exploitation.
“Zanu-PF continues to champion the interests of workers today by investing on decent wages and a share in profits that workers create within their labour through the introduction of share ownership scheme.
“The party’s support for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has created hundreds of thousands opportunities for self employment for Zimbabweans,” said the party.
Online Reporter