By Shadreck Zangairai
In one of my previous publications, I mentioned about decline in strike activity in Zimbabwe and the disjointment/fragmentation of trade unions. One of the avid followers of the column, after reading the presentation posed a question to me; if what I explained was the position, so can we say that trade unions are doing good or are harming the efficient running of business in Zimbabwe. Despite the fact that I answered him, but I promised to put the response on this platform for the sake of others who might be having the same question. The presence and rise of trade unions in Zimbabwe has had drastic effects on organisations’ relationships with employees, thereby affecting the effectiveness of business in Zimbabwe. While some say labour unions have many positive effects on work life and employment others maintain distinctly negative effects caused by unions that hinder the progress and effective running of business in Zimbabwe. From my analysis, it will be up to the reader to conclude whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, or vice versa.
Trade unions are one of the most important social movements underpinning democracy. They advocate for workers’ right to freedom of association and also creates the means by which all other rights are asserted and defended. Historically, trade unions have fought for the right to decent pay and conditions employment for both men and women at the workplace and for improved social welfare through, for example, health care, education and social security. The world in which we and our members work is rapidly changing. Competition is global and intensifying, bringing a new level of insecurity to workers. And we must never forget that many of the world’s citizens are still oppressed by dictatorial and authoritarian regimes that continue to deny, often by violent means, freedom of association and other basic human and workers’ rights. It is now the mandate and determination of trade unionism to fight again to defend the principles that have won so much for working people. These principles are as relevant in today’s world of global competition as they were at any stage of our history. Trade unions were founded to fight injustice and to ensure basic human and economic rights of working men and women and their families.
Labour unions in Zimbabwe have not always been met with a warm welcome from the government or from development economists. The reason being that they are viewed as a threat to both rapid economic growth and political stability. Unions pressure for higher real wages and more advanced social services than the economy can afford, even at a time when investment is the critical need. At worst, they may be led by political radicals dissatisfied with the existing system of governments. So trade unions benefit their members in the short run and harm the organisations in the long run and later the economy itself. There is also a possibility of a decline in the value of merit. In many union settings, workers cannot advance much at all on their merits but must generally progress within the limits defined by the unions. In theory, at least, unionised workers might become so comfortable and protected that they lose the incentive to work hard for the employer. This may lead outstanding employees to lose their hearts if there is no incentive to excel or worse, if they are pressured by the union not to go an extra mile.
On the other hand, too much power vested in on trade unions scares away investors to other countries with less powerful trade unions. For example, in the Zimbabwean context, the initiation of union formation by the government gave more power to unions in anticipation of their leadership’s compliance to the government demands. This however turned political and backfired the government. This impacted negatively the running of businesses in Zimbabwe which led to national strikes, stay away and go-slows which was taking place in almost every three month. In addition, trade unions such as the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions (ZFTU), would impose their demands on companies. At one point ZFTU invaded factories which forced many companies to close. At the same time, there was vandalism of property as people took advantage of the disorders due to the demonstrations. Thus instead of addressing issues on the ground, the unions would fight for members and popularity while crippling the economy.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein does not serve as alternative to legal advice. The author do not accept any liability for any damages or losses suffered as a result of actions taken based on information contained herein.
Shadreck Zangairai is a Human Resources Practitioner and for feedback, email: sh***********@gm***.com
To be continued..