Zimbabwe's largest labour federation has accused unnamed individuals of attempting to use State institutions and legal processes to interfere with its internal affairs, escalating tensions ahead of a series of key constitutional conferences that will culminate in the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions' 10th General Conference later this year.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo said the federation had received "credible information" suggesting that efforts were underway to disrupt the organisation's constitutional processes after a disputed leadership contest at last year's congress.

The allegations come as organised labour attempts to rebuild its influence amid Zimbabwe's prolonged economic challenges, where trade unions have increasingly struggled with declining membership, fragmentation and shrinking bargaining power.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions said the alleged interference was linked to individuals who opposed Marimo's election as Secretary General during the August 2025 General Conference.

"The information available to the ZCTU suggests that efforts may be underway to allegedly use financial support, administrative influence and legal processes with the objective of disrupting the administration of the Congress and interfering with preparations for the forthcoming constitutional conferences, including attempts to remove or suspend the Secretary General from office outside the democratic processes prescribed by the ZCTU Constitution," Marimo said.

The federation argued that those allegedly behind the move represented only a small minority pursuing personal ambitions rather than workers' interests.

“They constitute a small minority pursuing personal interests and ambitions through the alleged improper request for support of State authority in matters that belong exclusively to the democratic governance of ZCTU,” Marimo noted.

The statement did not identify the individuals or institutions allegedly involved.

Marimo urged Government institutions to avoid becoming involved in internal union disputes.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions also claimed that former professional advisers to the organisation could be collaborating with those seeking to influence its governance.

Marimo said the federation was verifying the allegations and warned that legal action could follow if the claims were substantiated.

"Should these investigations substantiate the concerns raised, ZCTU will not hesitate to invoke every appropriate legal, regulatory and institutional remedy available to it."

The dispute extends beyond internal union politics into broader questions about freedom of association in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions argued that any external intervention would violate both the Constitution of Zimbabwe and international labour standards.

"The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is an independent, democratic and autonomous workers' organisation established and governed by its Constitution and the laws of Zimbabwe."

"No external institution, political actor or State agency possesses any lawful authority to determine the leadership, administration or constitutional processes of the Congress."

The federation further warned that any interference could be reported internationally.

“Should any attempt be made to interfere with the internal affairs of the Congress contrary to international labour standards, the matter will be reported without delay to the appropriate supervisory mechanisms of the International Labour Organization and other regional and international bodies responsible for safeguarding trade union rights,” Marimo stated.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, both of which prohibit undue State interference in the affairs of workers' organisations.

The allegations received backing from Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure, who accused the State of attempting to weaken organised labour.

"The Zimbabwean State must cease and desist from interfering with the operations of the ZCTU. We are well aware that the State is irked by the reconstruction of the ZCTU under the able leadership of the popularly elected Secretary General, Commander Tiri Marimo."

Masaraure further alleged that some union leaders were seeking to remove Marimo through non-democratic means.

"The so called elected leaders who assumed office through corrupt means are now seeking to suspend the legitimate Secretary General."

He added: "This is the time for the workers to defend their Federation. We cannot allow the regime's lap dogs to destroy our Congress for another term."