…condemns oppression of workers at work
RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO-Combined Masvingo Provincial Residents Movement (CMPRM) has lamented the oppression of employees at the workplace as they do not have any immediate recourse due to shrinking job opportunities.
CMPRM said workers’ rights are being trampled upon by unscrupulous employers as workers fear loss of employment.
CMPRM provincial chairperson Thomas Mbetu made the remarks during his address at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo City on May 1.
The 2023 commemorations were held under the theme ‘Workers demand an inclusive Zimbabwe free from Poverty, Corruption and Oppression’.
In his statement Mbetu said the day is important as it recognises efforts made by workers in the social and economic sector despite low salaries and oppression they face at their work place.
“The social and economic contributions of workers is being honoured on this day. The day is meant to recognise the commitment and contribution of the working class to the growth of Zimbabwe.
“However, it is difficult for workers to demand their rights for example the right to equal pay and work in the same field of work because if they do that they will be victimised and intimidated by their employers both government and private.
“The difficult economic situation in the country has forced workers to normalise these abuses because they are trying to earn a living. It is against this background that we demand that the rights of workers should be respected in Zimbabwe in all sectors of employment.
“We condemn the oppression of workers freedoms and rights in the strongest terms and in totality. We therefore demand for an inclusive Zimbabwe free from poverty corruption and oppression,” said Mbetu
He also lamented the level of corruption in the country where billions of dollars are being lost through illicit deals at the expense of the general populace.
“This day is born from the protracted struggle for workers’ rights and social justice of the late 1800s. It comes under the background and theme based on oppression of workers and corruption in the country where billions which could be benefiting workers are being lost.
“A lot of money has been lost through corruption and nothing has been done to the culprits. According to Chronicle of September 07 2020 USD$100 million worth of gold is smuggled out of the country every month, not to mention the recent Aljazeera Gold Mafia documentary which we have all seen where we are losing billions as a country.
“There are also other high profile corruption cases with a potential to prejudice the country of over USD$500 million which is just a drop in the ocean.
CMPRM is a provincial board which represents residents and ratepayers in Gutu, Chiredzi, Bikita, Zaka, Mwenezi, Masvngo and Chivi.
