New mining CBA signals major shift for workers

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mineral Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has welcomed the introduction of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the mining sector, describing it as a historic milestone for workers' rights and protections.

ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema said the registration of Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026 marks the end of the long‑standing SI 152 of 1990 framework, which had governed the industry for 34 years but no longer reflected current realities.

"Today we turn a historic page in the mining industry," Chinhema said, noting that the new agreement introduces a modern, rights‑based approach anchored in improved protections and clearer enforcement mechanisms.

He highlighted that ZDAMWU's admission into the National Employment Council for the Mining Industry played a key role in shaping the new framework, which replaces what he described as an outdated regime.

Among the notable provisions in the new CBA are stronger regulations on fixed‑term contracts, aimed at preventing employers from indefinitely denying workers permanent employment.

The agreement also introduces enhanced maternity protections, including 98 days of fully paid leave, retention of benefits and seniority, as well as paid breastfeeding time for nursing mothers.

In addition, the agreement strengthens measures against workplace sexual harassment by aligning disciplinary procedures with the Labour Act and explicitly categorising such conduct as a serious offence that can lead to dismissal.

Chinhema said that while the agreement is not perfect, it represents a significant breakthrough achieved through workers' efforts.

"This is a beginning, not an end," he said. "It lays a solid foundation for us to push further."

Looking ahead, the union said it will prioritise negotiations around allowances under Schedule F, particularly those related to transport, housing, underground risk, heat exposure and night work. It also pledged to intensify efforts to secure a living wage, ensuring that basic pay moves beyond subsistence levels to guarantee dignity for mineworkers and their families.

ZDAMWU reiterated its commitment to leveraging the new agreement to advocate for continuous improvements in safety, fair remuneration and overall working conditions across the mining sector.