Labour relations in Zimbabwe, 1980-1987

Abstract

This study examines labour relations in Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987, and finds that the government had a major impact on reforming labour relations. This interpretation differs from accounts presented in literature. Most writers assume employers are exploitative, and depict the government as acting on behalf of capital to control workers and ensure peaceful capitalist accumulation. It is argued that this view is one-sided, and a more balanced view of labour relations is provided by examining national labour policy and labour relations in three prominent organisations. This account suggests that government labour policy was to promote workers' interests while taking into consideration the need for national economic growth to enable employment and welfare services to be expanded. In an effort to balance workers' and national interests, the government pursued a corporatist strategy which involved the monopolisation of trade union representation, and control over unions to enforce government labour policy. A disaggregated view of "capital" is required which recognises that different management or organisational cultures exist. Thus, while some employers in Zimbabwe are exploitative and maintain racist management practices, others have gradually reformed their labour practices and have advanced black employees. In some cases this reform process has proceeded quite rapidly. The government's policies to protect and promote workers' interests provided the major stimulus for this reform of labour relations within enterprises. Show more