Workers’ union showdown looms

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Workers’ union leaders in Gweru are headed for a showdown following the vote of no confidence that was purportedly passed on the leadership of the Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union (ZUCWU), with the latter hitting back, saying the move was unconstitutional.

Workers’ union leaders in Gweru are headed for a showdown following the vote of no confidence that was purportedly passed on the leadership of the Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union (ZUCWU), with the latter hitting back, saying the move was unconstitutional.

Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT

Leaders from rival unions passed a vote of no confidence on the ZUCWU national executive about a fortnight ago after they accused it of failing to represent the interests of workers.

But at a press briefing last Friday, ZUCWU secretary-general Kudakwashe Munengiwa said those who imposed themselves in the interim committee were leaders of rival unions.

“These people have been exposed of who really they are,” he said.

“You cannot be a member of another organisation and try to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of a rival organisation, it is just illegal.

“We have now alerted the Labour ministry because that act is blatantly illegal, unethical and unprofessional. It’s probably the first of its kind, you cannot expect even those in politics to pass a vote of no confidence in leadership of another political party, it’s not possible.”

Munengiwa said “rebel” Silas Mutendeudzwa, who is said to be the interim chairperson, was the branch chairperson of the Water and Allied Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe, while vice-chairperson Paul Moyana was in the same union.

He said Shoniwa Nechiwowe was in the Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union affiliated to the Joseph Chinotimba-led Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions.

Munengiwa said under the ZUCWU constitution, 15 members could call the leadership and pass a vote of no confidence, a situation he said never transpired.