The AFL-CIO is deeply concerned by the Zimbabwe Government’s refusal today to allow a delegation of U.S. trade union leaders into Zimbabwe to meet with injured leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) following the brutal attack on them and their arrest on September 13.

A five-person labor delegation led by AFL-CIO Vice President William Lucy, who is Secretary Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, was denied entry into Zimbabwe by government officials and forced to return to South Africa. Although the ZCTU leaders and activists have been subsequently released, we are concerned for their health, continued safety and their ability to exercise their rights as trade unionists and as workers.

We denounce the Zimbabwe government’s attempt to prevent international labor officials from seeing and understanding the challenges facing workers and unions in their country.

Today the AFL-CIO also joined the global labor movement in an international day of action to demand justice for workers and unions in Zimbabwe.

We strongly condemn the continued repression of union activity and solidarity 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 joined the global labor movement to demand that the fundamental rights of unions and workers be protected in Zimbabwe. Globally, unions and workers demanded an investigation into the beatings and arrests and denounced the denied entry of the US delegation. The AFL-CIO will continue our call that the Government of Zimbabwe cease their brutal repression and respect workers and workers rights.

Contact Steve Smith 202-637-5018/Cell 202-412-4440