Zimbabwe : Unionists strengthen organising and negotiation initiatives in wood and forestry industry

The General Agriculture and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) gathered on 20 and 21 of October for a two-day wood and forestry social dialogue meeting.

The meeting, which was attended by 11 participant including 4 women, discussed the current political, economic and social situation globally and regionally, as well as climate-related issues, and how these impact trade unions. 

The participants identified strategic actors to collaborate with, and the content of their upcoming sectoral collective bargaining negotiations. GAPWUZ shared its strategies on how to engage key national, regional, and global stakeholders to fulfil the timber, wood, and forestry workers’ mandates. 

Right after, the union prepared a blueprint on a Gendered Climate Change Responsive Action Plan that identifies relevant actors to engage with, determine responsibilities and actions, and the timelines for implementation. 

One of the identified stakeholders in the union’s strategy and plans was the National Employment Council for Agriculture Industry in Zimbabwe (NEC Agriculture). Represented by Mr. David Madyausiku, NEC Agriculture confirmed its role and opened the door for more union engagement with GAPWUZ to improve the delivery of its mandate. The Council asked the union’s assistance by submitting substantive reports for them to use when formulating worker-friendly policies and frameworks. 

The meeting reenergised the union and encouraged it to find innovative ways to persuade employers (and the state) to comply with existing labour, occupational health and safety, and licensing laws, and change the lives of their members for the better.