Zimbabwean Workers Threaten To Launch Global Campaign Against Chinese Investors
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has warned the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe that it will launch a global campaign against Chinese investors if its nationals in Zimbabwe continue to disregard labour rights.
ZCTU petitioned Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun to whip his compatriots into line following the recent shooting of two Zimbabweans in Gweru by a Chinese businessman, Zhang Xueun.
ZCTU secretary-general, Japhet Moyo said in the petition:
We would like to warn you that if these abuses by Chinese investors continue, the ZCTU will have no option but to launch a global campaign against any Chinese investors who come not only to Zimbabwe but Africa.
There is no doubt that your compatriots are a law unto themselves and act with impunity knowing that they have protection from someone in the higher offices.
Why is it that of all investors coming to Zimbabwe, the Chinese investors have proved to be the most abusive?
This is the same behaviour that led Zimbabweans to take arms against white oppressors. Sooner rather than later, workers are bound to retaliate.
Xueun, who is both mine owner and manager, shot and injured two employees – Wendy Chikwaira and Kennedy Tachiona – during a wage dispute.
Chikwaira was treated and discharged from hospital after a bullet grazed his chin, while Tachiona was on Tuesday still admitted at a private hospital after being shot on his right leg and thigh.
