Chinese Construction Companies and the Question of Labour Rights in Zimbabwe. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chipaike, Ronald; Marufu, Eugenia
• Is Part Of: Journal of Asian and African studies. Volume 55:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 1163
• Page End: 1175
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Agency -- Chinese construction companies -- local employees -- construction industry -- Zimbabwe; Social change -- Africa -- Periodicals; Social change -- Asia -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Africa -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Asia -- Periodicals; Africa -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Asia -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Africa -- Periodicals; Asia -- Periodicals; 950
• DOI: 10.1177/0021909620912777
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9096

Abstract

This paper focuses on the question of labour rights in Chinese construction companies in Zimbabwe. Utilizing data collected from two companies through interviews with mainly artisans, the study established general discontentment with conditions of work in these companies by local workers. Concerns were raised over lack of adequate protective equipment/clothing, low salaries and poor communication systems among others. The government of Zimbabwe was urged (by respondents) to monitor the operations of Chinese companies in the sector and ensure that they follow the law in letter and spirit. The study established that Chinese business people exploit opportunities presented by high rates of unemployment in the country as well as Zimbabwe's desperation as an internationally isolated state to their advantage. In such a situation, trade unions become the gap filler to improve the workers' plight although the absence of total state support for them leaves workers exposed.