Zimbabwe Teachers Union Calls for Setting up of New Labor Body

WASHINGTON DC —  A member of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Fannuel Mabhugu, is calling on all trade unions to think seriously about forming another labour body which is independent, apolitical and pro-workers saying the current state of affairs is not benefiting workers.

Mabhugu, who is in the PTUZ Information and Research Unit, said since the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions have openly declared their political affiliation to the MDC-T formation and Zanu PF, there is need for a new labour movement that will fight for the workers’ rights and unite them.

Both ZCTU and ZFTU are currently rocked by divisions with the ZCTU having two factions one led by Geroge Nkiwane and the other by Lovemore Matombo.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said though Mabhugu gave his own opinion, his union supports the idea as workers have suffered enough during the past five years when the labour bodies openly showed their political support for the MDC-T and Zanu PF.

"Mr. Mabhugu has expressed his individual opinion, but his individual opinion also resonates with our feeling in PTUZ," said Zhou.