"Unemployment nears 90% as garment factories close in Zimbabwe", 5 October 2024

The closing of garment factories in Zimbabwe due to a prolonged economic crisis has made recruitment and organising challenging for trade unions, according to the IndustriALL Global Union. Unemployment in Zimbabwe is nearing 90 per cent due to a largely informal economy and stagnant industrial manufacturing. Despite the challenges, including retrenchments that have reduced union membership, trade unions continue to show resilience, as reported...

Currently, garment workers earn a minimum wage of $180, as set by the sectoral collective bargaining agreement, while the union is campaigning for living wages exceeding $250.

“The union continues to provide services to its members even under the unfavourable economic environment. At policy level, we continue to engage the government and municipalities on the revival of the textile and garment industry through local procurement and sourcing policies that create local jobs. We are optimistic that with appropriate policy interventions the garment industries will be revived,” said Joseph Tanyanyiwa, the National Union of the Clothing Industry, general secretary, adding that despite the dire economic situation, there are glimmers of hope for the industry...