Harare (New Ziana) -THE Chinese government on Tuesday accused the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions of trying to drag it into meddling in the internal politics of the country by making unsubstantiated allegations of unfair labour practices against companies from that country.
The ZCTU on Wednesday issued a press statement alleging that most Chinese companies were flouting labour laws despite concerted engagements at all levels on the matter over the years and claimed protection from “high offices” when confronted over the abuses.
Acting ZCTU president Nicholas Mazarura said the labour body was prepared to take the matter to various international platforms such as the International Labour Organisation.
Responding to the allegations, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe said they were “only groundless accusations without any supporting facts and detailed information”.
In a statement, the embassy said as a labor organization, the ZCTU should be committed to protecting workers’ legitimate interests and rights, and refrain from dabbling in politics.
“The Embassy rejects such a frivolous, irresponsible and unpersuasive statement,” read part of the statement released by the Embassy of China in Harare.
“The press release by the ZCTU is actually attempting to drag Chinese companies into its difference on some Zimbabwe’s internal issues,” it said, adding, “non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and rejecting racial discrimination are the consistent principles of the Chinese government.”
The Embassy said the ZCTU should note that the illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe had led to unemployment in Zimbabwe, depriving Zimbabwean workers of their right to work and survival.
“Unfortunately, the ZCTU selectively turns a blind eye to such a challenge which it should be most concerned about. It should explain who is pressuring it to do so.”
It said threats, intimidation and bullying against Chinese enterprises would only damage the image and credibility of the ZCTU.
Chinese enterprises successfully held two job fairs for local jobseekers, and both the number of applicants and the signing rate far exceeded expectations, something which the embassy said was the most convincing vote of confidence that the Zimbabwean people had cast on Chinese investments.
The embassy said the majority of Chinese companies in Zimbabwe have been operating their business in line with Zimbabwe’s laws and policies.
New Ziana
