By Michael Gwarisa
Workers’ trade union organisations in Zimbabwe have accused Chinese construction companies operating in the country of exposing employees to hazardous working conditions and violating basic occupational health and safety requirements. The concerns were raised during the signing of the Decent Work Pledge for Construction Industry Employees held in Harare. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Public Service with support from the International Labour Organisation. Both organised labour and employer representatives took part in endorsing the pledge.
Representing labour unions, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions and their affiliates delivered strong messages demanding accountability from Chinese employers in the construction sector. Mr Kenias Shamuyariri said several Chinese-owned companies continued to disregard the country’s labour laws, exposing workers to preventable harm.
We have the crop of Chinese who are into the construction industry. Those people are doing a menace to the core. Our workers are maimed and issues are just swept under the carpet,” said Shamuyariri.
Shamuyariri added that some of the new foreign investors entering the sector were operating outside Zimbabwe’s established labour systems and disregarding long-standing industrial norms. He urged labour movements to intensify efforts to organise workers under these companies to ensure they receive representation and protection.
He also highlighted concerns that employees in the construction sector were subjected to harsh working conditions without adequate protective clothing, even though the nature of the work poses high health and injury risks. “You think just by buying a work suit and gumboots is enough? Surely, this goes beyond that. Decent work talks of a conducive salary, not a slave wage,” he said.
On behalf of the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), Mr Misheck Ugaro said engagement with the Chinese Embassy was underway to strengthen respect for labour laws among Chinese-owned entities operating locally.
“As employers, this is at the top of our planning modalities. EMCOZ is taking measures through the Embassy to try and see if we can establish networks to that community,” he said.
The International Labour Organisation defines decent work as employment that provides opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, ensures security in the workplace, guarantees social protection and allows workers to express their concerns through social dialogue. Ugaro noted that workers had reported disturbing incidents at construction sites, including situations where ill workers were allegedly carried by bulldozers as a means of transportation instead of being given proper medical attention.
“We hear reports that workers sometimes get carried by bulldozers when they are ill or something like that at a work site, which is inhuman. Then fair employment practices. Inclusive growth and open and transparent practices. To achieve this, stakeholders such as government, employers and labour must ensure consistency in applying policy so that there is alignment between planning and implementation. Investment and occupational safety systems must be put in place,” he said.
Globally, construction remains one of the most hazardous industries. The ILO estimates that 2.93 million workers die each year due to work-related causes. More than 60,000 of these deaths occur directly within the construction sector. Millions more suffer occupational injuries that affect their health, income and long-term wellbeing.
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a family and a community that bears the impact when work becomes unsafe,” said Ms Philile Masuku, the ILO Country Director.
Masuku commended Zimbabwe for its ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects, noting that the expansion of the construction sector offers new opportunities for job creation and productivity growth. However, she emphasised that rapid growth must be matched with strict labour safeguards and consistent protection of workers’ rights.
“This expansion presents significant opportunities for workers and businesses. It creates space for new jobs, improved productivity and pathways into more formal and sustainable enterprises. At the same time, it reminds us that rapid growth must be matched with consistent labour safeguards, including protection of workers’ rights and ensuring that work conditions translate into long-term inclusive development,” she said.
She added that informal construction workers and small enterprises remain highly vulnerable due to limited skills, weak safety systems and poor compliance with labour standards. She urged employers to cultivate workplaces where safety is treated as a priority and where workers can raise concerns without fear of victimisation.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Chief Director Mr Clifford Matorera said decent work in the construction industry remains central to national development. He noted that respect for workers’ health and safety was not only a legal obligation but also an economic and moral duty.
“Decent work is both a moral and economic imperative phenomena. It guarantees dignity for workers and their families, reduces poverty and promotes social stability. Upholding these standards, as outlined in these instruments, is essential for safeguarding our workers and ensuring that economic growth benefits all and leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.
