ZCTU decries globalisation’s impact on workers’ rights

By Alois Vinga

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has bemoaned globalisation’s impact on worker’s rights on the back of calls for stakeholders to devise strategies to ease the tide.

Speaking at the occasion to launch the Association for Labour Practitioners in Zimbabwe (ALPZ) last week, acting ZCTU Secretary General, Runesu Dzimiri said despite the positives derived from globalisation it has presented challenges for the working class.

“Globalisation significantly impacts local labour laws, potentially leading to increased competition and pressure for deregulation. globalisation, characterised by increased international trade and investment, creates a competitive landscape where businesses seek to minimise costs, including labour costs.

“This pressure can lead to demands for deregulation of labour laws, such as weakening minimum wage laws, reducing worker protections, and undermining collective bargaining rights. Companies may relocate production or services to countries with lower labour costs, leading to job losses and economic hardship in developed nations,” he said.

Dzimiri said globalisation can lead to a “race to the bottom” where countries compete to attract investment by lowering labour standards, potentially leading to exploitation of workers.

He charged labour practitioners in the country to ensure the crafting of trade agreements that promote fair labour standards and enforcing labour laws.

The ZCTU leader said governments can strengthen labour laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers’ rights, including minimum wages, collective bargaining rights, and workplace safety regulations.

Businesses were encouraged to adopt socially responsible practices, including respecting workers’ rights and complying with labour laws, regardless of location.

“Raising public awareness about the impacts of globalisation on labour rights can help to build support for policies that protect workers,” added Dzimiri.

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