CMNT_TITLE

The Committee recalls the communication of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) dated 1 September 2006, and notes the Government’s reply thereto dated 10 January 2007.

1. Discrimination against women. The ZCTU had raised concerns regarding discrimination against women in access to certain benefits, including maternity leave, particularly as many women are contract workers, seasonal workers and domestic workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that with respect to maternity benefits for public servants, the Public Service Act is being amended, and will be brought into conformity with international labour standards. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the status of the amendments to the Public Service Act, and also to indicate how female contract workers, seasonal workers and domestic workers are protected against discrimination.

2. Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. The Committee notes that the ZCTU submits that discrimination based on political opinion has been practised by government-owned or quasi-government companies. ZCTU refers to dismissals, victimization and demotions due to political opinion. The Government states that the ZCTU has not provided sufficient details to allow it to reply. Bearing in mind  that the Committee has raised concerns for a number of years regarding discrimination on the ground of political opinion, and given the serious nature of these allegations, the Committee urges the Government to take specific measures to ensure that in practice no discrimination based on political opinion or affiliation is permitted, and that any such act of discrimination is duly sanctioned and appropriate remedies provided.

3. The Committee requests the Government in its next report to address the issues raised above as well as the points set out in its 2006 direct request.