The United States of America’s secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has condemned the government of Zimbabwe for violating workers rights through harassment of trade union leaders.
In a press statement on the Centenary of the founding of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Pompeo castigated Zimbabwe alongside Iran, China, and Venezuela. He said:
The ILO has done important work in Zimbabwe, where security forces have committed acts of violence and harassment against trade union leaders. We remain concerned that government interference with trade union activity remains common in Zimbabwe.
As the ILO enters its second century pursuing objectives critical to economic prosperity and security around the world, the United States recommits itself to advancing the rights of workers globally.
The Zimbabwean government has allegedly been vicious when dealing with trade union leaders. ZCTU president Peter Mutasa and ARTUZ boss Obert Masaraure were arrested and are face treason charges related to protests.