A coalition representing workers, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has condemned Makomo Resources on allegations of intimidating labourers who are demanding dues.
ZDAMWU says the coal mining firm reportedly verbally terminated workers contracts following a disagreement over unpaid two-months salaries.
“As a pro-miners union ZDAMWU is not going to take this matter lying down. Workers must not be silenced and intimidated in demanding their dues,” ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema says in a statement.
“We want to assure workers that we are together in this struggle ZDAMWU is very active now and our commitment to represent workers remains unshaken.”
The ZDAMWU Secretary-General also says that the mistreatment of workers is not only confined to Makomo Resources.
“There are also some big mines out there who are threatening workers when they demand their dues,” Chinhema says.
“ZDAMWU is not going to take such issues lying down. ZDAMWU is going to fight until our miners rights are restored, we will fight until mine workers are given their dues.”
“The capitalists are not backing down in depriving what rightfully belongs to us,’ went on Chinhema.
Makomo Resources which claims to be the largest privately-owned coal producer in Zimbabwe has been looking for funding to construct a conveyor belt to the Hwange Power Station.
The mining company is likely to face challenges from environmentalists who accuse coal miners of aiding to climate change.
