A NEWLY gazetted labour agreement has taken centre stage in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, as workers intensify calls for a US$650 minimum wage and stronger safety protections.
Addressing workers during May Day commemorations in Hwange yesterday, Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) secretary-general Justice Chinhema highlighted the significance of a recently concluded collective bargaining agreement, describing it as a major shift from an outdated framework that had governed the industry since 1990.
The agreement, formalised under Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026, introduces enhanced protections for mine workers and is being viewed as a milestone in labour relations within the extractive sector.
However, Chinhema said the new deal should be matched with tangible improvements in workers’ livelihoods, including a significant wage review.
“We reiterate our call in the industry for a minimum wage of US$650, reflecting the dangerous nature of mining work and the value of the minerals workers extract,” he said.
The Workers’ Day event, held under the theme Empowering Workers Empowering Voices, also turned the spotlight on persistent safety concerns in Zimbabwe’s mines, with the union warning that accidents and occupational diseases remain widespread.
Chinhema cited conditions such as silicosis and tuberculosis as ongoing threats, urging mining companies to strengthen occupational health systems through better protective equipment, regular inspections and continuous medical monitoring.
“Safety in our mines is not negotiable. Every worker deserves to return home alive and unharmed,” he said.
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ZDAMWU also signalled a shift towards greater engagement and outreach, announcing a partnership with community broadcaster Lyeja FM to improve access to information on labour rights and workplace safety.
Chinhema described trade unions as key partners in building a productive mining industry and urged workers to strengthen their collective voice through increased membership.
The Hwange commemorations, held in the coal-mining town for the first time, underscored growing pressure on mining firms and policymakers to balance profitability with fair wages and safe working conditions in one of Zimbabwe’s most critical economic sectors.
