Trade union rights are not a crime!

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), a Global Trade Union Federation representing more than 12 million members in construction, building materials, wood and forestry and allied workers from 378 affiliates in 108 countries expresses its deep concern over the reported arrest and continued detention of five members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) General Council following an Extraordinary General Council meeting held on 13 July 2026.

BWI stands in solidarity with the ZCTU and its affiliates in defending the fundamental rights of workers and trade unions to organise, assemble, and manage their internal affairs free from intimidation or interference. Trade unions must be able to carry out their legitimate activities independently and without fear of reprisals.

The arrest of trade union leaders while participating in the affairs of their organisation raises serious concerns regarding respect for freedom of association and the autonomy of workers' organisations. These principles are protected under the Constitution of Zimbabwe and are fundamental obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise and No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, both of which Zimbabwe has ratified.

BWI is particularly concerned by reports that these developments are taking place during an important constitutional electoral period for the ZCTU. Democratic processes within trade unions must be respected, and workers must be free to elect their representatives without intimidation, coercion or interference.

BWI therefore calls for:

• The immediate and unconditional release of the five detained trade unionists.
• Full respect for the rights of workers and trade union representatives to exercise freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and democratic participation.
• The authorities should ensure that trade unions can conduct their constitutional processes independently and without interference.
• The international labour movement and the International Labour Organization should closely monitor the situation and support the protection of trade union rights in Zimbabwe.
  
  BWI reaffirms that freedom of association and the independence of trade unions are essential pillars of democracy, decent work, and social justice. Attempts to interfere with the legitimate functioning of workers' organisations undermine internationally recognised labour rights and must cease.

BWI stands in unwavering solidarity with its affiliates in Zimbabwe and the ZCTU, the detained trade unionists, their families, and all Zimbabwean workers in the defence of fundamental trade union rights and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.