UNISON the public service union

Africa

Africa is a continent where 50 per cent of its countries are experiencing or emerging from civil conflict. Of the estimated 42 million people now living with HIV/AIDS, about 30 million are in Africa.

UNISON has worked in Africa for many years, with its strongest links in Southern Africa, most notably in South Africa established during the apartheid years and in Zimbabwe, where unions face continued repression under the Mugabe regime. UNISON intends to continue developing links with unions throughout Southern Africa and in other regions in the long term.

South Africa

For many years UNISON has had long standing links with sister unions in South Africa, links that began during their struggle against apartheid. In 2004 UNISON joins South Africans in celebrating the ten year anniversary of freedom and democracy, which have seen huge advances in South Africa's civil society and with it improved trade union and workers' rights. more..

Zimbabwe

UNISON has longstanding links with public sector trade unions in Zimbabwe. Trade unions operate under extremely difficult conditions of repression and intimidation. The trade union movement led the call for democratic change in Zimbabwe in the face of deepening political and economic crisis. As a result, there has been a consistent intimidation campaign by the government against trade unionists and workers. Despite this, the unions remain in the forefront of opposition to Mugabe's policies. more..

Most recent documents and activities

Trade unionists targeted as crisis in Zimbabwe deepens

(11/06/2008) UNISON has longstanding links with public sector trade unions in Zimbabwe. Trade unions have been active in calling for democratic change in Zimbabwe, and as a result are facing increased intimidation and violence in the wake of the March 2008 elections. Link to another page on this site

Update on Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe wage freeze leads to national day of action. Act now!

(14/09/07) In response to a presidential decree that has frozen all wages for six months, despite inflation running at 6,592%, the ZCTU has announced national actions on 19 and 20 of September, and UK supporters are being asked to stand in solidarity outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in London on Thursday lunchtime 20 September. more..

Zim trade unionists under threat again. Act Now!

(15/08/07) Police in Zimbabwe have detained 60 trade union and human rights activists on their way to a conference in Zambia. Email the Ambassador to the UK and voice your concerns.
Link to an external website

Email the Zimbabwean Ambassador

Support for general strike in Swaziland - Act now!

(27/07/07) UNISON's Dave Prentis has joined the TUC in protesting to the High Commissioner of Swaziland following a number of actions affecting Swazi trade unionists, including tax on benefits, violation of basic workers' rights and no consultation on the government's privatisation drive. more..

Trade unionists arrested in Zimbabwe for holding HIV/AIDS workshop - Act now!

(27/07/07) Email the Zimbabwean High Commissioner, H.E. Gabriel Machinga, to protest against the unlawful police involvement in ZCTU affairs following the arrests of ZCTU and ILO trainers running a HIV/AIDS workshop in Kadoma. Link to an external website

ACTSA action Zimbabwe

UK support for Zimbabwean women

(16/07/07) UK manufacturer gets behind UNISON-supported campaign for sanitary products for Zimbabwean women. story

TUC launches TUC Aid for Zimbabwe appeal

(29/03/07) The TUC have launched an appeal specifically to provide vital support to our fellow trade unionists in Zimbabwe. Funds from the appeal have already been used to help with legal and medical bills. Region, branch and individual member donations are all welcome - please send what you can. All cheques should be made payable to “TUC Aid - Zimbabwe Appeal” - and sent to TUC Aid, EUIRD, TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS. Link to an external website

TUC appeal

Stand in solidarity with Zimbabwean workers - 4 April

(27/03/07) UNISON is supporting the call by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions to stand in solidarity with them on 4 April, in support of their mass stay-away call. The demonstration is outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, WC2R from 12 to 2pm on Wednesday 4 April. The 'stay-away' is in response to the continuing repression by the Mugabe regime and the brutality meted out to trade unionists. more..

Offices of ZCTU raided in continuing oppression in Zimbabwe

(13/03/07) The offices of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) were raided this morning as the union prepares for a general strike on 3-4 April. Lovemore Matombo, President of ZCTU said this was part of a "concerted effort to try and crush all civic organisations" in Zimbabwe. more

Tell France that Mugabe is not welcome in Europe

(30/01/07) Join the lobby opposite the French Embassy in London this Friday (2 Feb at midday) and tell France that Mugabe is not welcome in Europe because of his appalling human rights record at home. more..

International