Re: Rising workplace COVID 19 infections worrisome
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is deepily worried by the rising numbers of workers who are being infected by the Corona Virus at the workplace.
While initially infection were confined to workplaces in the health sectors because they are front line workers, it is now spreading to almost every sector. This shows that most companies are not sticking to the prescribed COVID-19 prevention regulations. There is also a possibility that many infected people are roaming the streets undetected. There is need for government to do more in terms of testing, contact tracing as well as isolation.
There is also a possibility that there are companies that are hiding information regarding the state of affairs in their enterprises. The ZCTU and its affiliate unions will not hesitate to publicise such companies as well as discourage customers to visit companies with poor health safeguards.
Workers must realise that under the labour laws, they have a right to down tools or go on strike without notice if there is a health risk at their workplaces. Workers' health is more important than anything else.
Japhet Moyo
Secretary General
7 August 2020
