Chitungwiza Municipal Workers Union Leadership Fac...

Chitungwiza Municipal Workers Union Leadership Faces Criticism from Members

Philemon Jambaya

Chitungwiza Workers Union leadership is facing backlash from its members who accuse them of neglecting workers’ concerns and siding with the management. This discontent stems from several issues, including delayed bonuses by the council and alleged violation of worker rights.

Comprising over 500 members, the CMWU demands 3% of each member’s salary towards its operations. However, many feel their contributions do not translate into adequate representation.

“The Union is ignoring our concerns, and it seems they’re now working for the management instead of us,” a disgruntled member confided anonymously.

Adding to the frustration is the council's reported delay in fulfilling its promise of a 20% USD 2023 bonus component, initially expected last Wednesday. While December's 40% USD component remains unpaid, bonuses were reportedly distributed.

The Workers Union leadership has also been accused of failing to provide for basic necessities for other Committee members like data, laptops for secretaries and this has derailed the impact of the committee workers which has resulted members to doubt the capabilities of the workers committee

CMWU President, Ephraim Katsina, acknowledges the tension. He confirms the union opposed the workers' committee attending a recent workshop in Chinhoi before salaries were paid. However, he claims "management forced the workshop and even included non-CMWU members in an attempt to undermine the union."

Katsina also expresses concern about potential intimidation tactics used against the workers' committee, citing this as a violation of the Labour Act. He advocates for reconstituting the committee to ensure fair representation.

While acknowledging members’ anger as justified, Katsina emphasizes the union’s ongoing efforts to protect their interests. He pledges to “fight back and bring sanity to Chitungwiza Municipality.”

Efforts to get comment from Chitungwiza Municipality spokesperson, Tafadzwa Kachiko hit a snag as he did not respond by the time of writing but he promised to clarify on the matter.