Unemployment nears 90% as garment factories close in Zimbabwe

Harare-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.

The National Union of the Clothing Industry (NUCI), affiliated with IndustriALL Global Union, credits its member retention to an organising strategy focused on improved industrial relations and collective bargaining. However, the union continues to advocate for living wages and better working conditions.

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.