Inter Union Rivalry, Legitimacy and Union Influence on Shop Floor Industrial Relations in Zimbabwe's Urban Councils
The article examines how inter union rivalry affects shop floor industrial relations in Zimbabwe's urban councils. In essence inter union rivalry destroy union solidarity and creates unnecessary competition which end up destroying effective shop floor worker representation. In an attempt to garner membership and quest to claim legitimacy, the study reveals strategies adopted by unions, which further creates a huge rift among them. This massive competition to enhance trade union density results in unions channelling more energy on fighting each other and in the process abandoning their role of advancing worker interest. Resultantly findings reveal a weakened state of worker representation and an invisible managerial hand in trade union affairs extending the managerial prerogative. Political interference and dominance is equally witnessed. The paper recommends unity of purpose in representing mutual employee interests, as well as minimal political tolerance on union business, unconditional collaboration and willingness to compromise.