Journal of Human Resources Management and Labor Studies

The Decline in Trade Union Density in the 21stcentury in Zimbabwe. A case of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU)
Qinisani Bhebe, Mildred Mahapa

Abstract
The study sought to investigate the reasons why the popularity of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions amongst workers in Zimbabwe has taken a plunge. The study will trace the history of trade unions in Zimbabwe from their formative age to the end of the 20th century, looking at the factors that contributed towards the thriving of trade unions before the decline in trade union density in the 21st century in Zimbabwe. The research extensively used relevant literature which includes newspapers, the internet and books focusing on the history of trade unionism in Zimbabwe as well factors that have contributed towards the steady decline in trade union density in the country. The paper posits that trade union density in Zimbabwe has declined due to factors that include: the formation of a rival trade unions in the country, the introduction of the concept of human resource management in firms and organisations in Zimbabwe, globalisation, unemployment, the formation of small to medium scale enterprises,restrictive laws like the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act, POSA and AIPPA, factionalism in the main trade union and the formation of the Movement of Democratic Change (MDC). The decline of trade unions in Zimbabwe has left workers exposed to exploitation and abuse by employers. The paper recommends the formation of a single trade union or rather the merging of both ZCTU factions with ZFTU so as to boost trade union density in the country. The paper also recommends the delinking of trade unions from political parties.

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