As of this morning, the ZCTU are out on strike across Zimbabwe, in protest at Mugabe’s economic mismanagement. Inflation has risen to 1,700%, the highest in the world, meaning that people’s salaries have become worthless by the time of their next pay packet. Hunger is killing thousands, and reports suggest one third of the working age population have left to try to send home money from neighbouring countries.

Police turned over the union offices again yesterday to try to disrupt the strike and arrested more union staff. This is a very dangerous time to be a trade unionist, in one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a trade unionist.

Labour Minister Nicholas Goche has overruled normal labour law protections for striking workers, saying: “Employers are free to deal with workers who choose to deliberately stay away from work.”

If you haven’t already taken LabourStart’s online solidarity action, then please do. The strikers will need all the support they can get.

Conflicting reports in the expat ZimOnline and the Government controlled Herald. Who is telling the truth? Well, here’s a clue: Which one do you think publishes reader comments?