The AFL-CIO and working people in this nation are appalled and outraged that leaders and members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) were brutally attacked, beaten and arrested at a peaceful march that called for a response to the country’s deepening economic crisis, Wednesday, September 13th. Police arrested 256 ZCTU activists from the more than 1,500 that gathered in Harare. Among those arrested were ZCTU General Secretary Wellington Chibebe, winner of the 2004 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award, President Lovemore Matombo and ZCTU First Vice President and SATUCC President Lucia Matibenga.

Reports reaching the AFL-CIO indicate that Matombo and Chibebe were beaten so severely, they could not stand. The activists remain in custody, where they have been refused medical attention, access to lawyers and representatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The AFL-CIO is incensed by the violence unleashed on the workers of Zimbabwe. We are deeply concerned for the safety and health of those in custody. We strongly condemn the brutal repression of union activity and urge the Government of Zimbabwe to respect the principles of freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively, as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98.

Today, outside the D.C. embassy of Zimbabwe, members of the U.S. labor movement demanded the swift and unconditional release of the trade unionists arrested for exercising their rights through peaceful protest. We will continue our call that the Government of Zimbabwe respect workers and workers’ rights.

Contact:  Dana Ford (202) 637-5018