By Wezhira Munya
In a powerful display of support for workers’ rights, Hon. Ostallos Siziba, a prominent advocate for labor rights and a key ally of President Nelson Chamisa, sends a message to workers on May Day to express unwavering solidarity with Zimbabwe’s hardworking workforce. With his youthful energy and passion, Hon. Siziba emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing the diligent efforts of the country’s workers. As a proponent of social justice and equality, he reaffirmed his commitment to championing the rights and well-being of the working class.
Below is honourable Siziba’s full message to suffering but hardworking workers in Zimbabwe:
*In Solidarity With The Working People of Zimbabwe*
Fellow Zimbabwean Workers, on this important day where the rest of the world commemorates International Workers’ Day, we in the democratic alternative celebrate the sacrifices, contributions, and struggles of the Working People.
As democrats, we stand in solidarity with the suffering and hardworking workers of Zimbabwe who continue to grapple with a myriad of political and socio-economic challenges.
While celebrating the priceless contributions of workers the world over, for us in the democratic locomotive, it is key to acknowledge and address the struggles faced by workers in our beautiful country, especially those represented by the progressive and revolutionary Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).
We are aware comrades in the workers’ movement that you are confronted by a plethora of challenges, ranging from economic instability and rising inflation to inadequate wages and precarious working conditions. The erosion of purchasing power due to hyperinflation has made it increasingly difficult for working people to afford the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, and healthcare.
Furthermore, the lack of job security and the prevalence of informal employment worsen the vulnerability of a majority of working people, leaving most workers in our country without access to essential benefits such as social protection and healthcare coverage.
In addition, the thwarting of labor rights and the infringement on working people’s freedoms undermine workers’ ability to mobilize, organize, and advocate for their constitutionally provided rights.
Notwithstanding the various challenges you face as working people in Zimbabwe and as the world celebrates this important day, democrats all over Zimbabwe express their unconditional solidarity with the Working People of this beautiful country. More importantly, as democrats and human rights defenders, we assure you of our collective commitment to supporting the struggle for fair wages, decent working conditions, and fundamental human rights.
In this vein, democrats call on the Zimbabwean regime and employers to prioritize the welfare of workers, respect and uphold labor rights, and engage in meaningful dialogue at least through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum with trade unions to deal decisively with the challenges of precarious work, inequality, and poverty.
As democrats, under the capable stewardship of President Chamisa, we do acknowledge and of course salute the courage, resilience, and dexterity of our country’s Working People who despite adversity continue to strive for a better Zimbabwe that works for everyone.
Solidarity Forever
Workers of The World Unite
