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Zimbabwe Union Curtails Some May Day Plans Citing Risk Of Violence


Officials of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions said the confederation will not be holding May Day activities in four locations because its organizers fear for their lives.

The ZCTU said it has ruled out organizing workers day celebrations in the towns of Marondera, Norton and Bindura in Mashonaland East, West and Central provinces, respectively, and Triangle in Masvingo, due to their volatile political climates.

The union's general council will finalize May Day plans on Saturday.

The union has accused the government of President Robert Mugabe of economic mismanagement resulting in plunging living standards for workers. It staged a two-day general strike earlier this month that most observers said had little impact in business centers. An estimated 80% of Zimbabwean workers are unemployed.

ZCTU Acting Secretary General Japhet Moyo told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that despite the effective no-go zones in some areas for May Day celebrations, his union is planning major events in other provinces.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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