THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), protesting over the government’s economic policies, said on Tuesday that the federation was seeking solidarity action from workers’ organisations in neighbouring countries, particularly from South Africa’s powerful trade unions. “We want Cosatu (the South African union federation) to blockade our common borders next time we take industrial action,” said ZCTU secretary-general Wellington Chibhebhe. Zimbabwe receives most of its imported goods via South Africa and a sustained blockade could have a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s faltering economy. Cosatu backed a similar two-day closure of border posts with Swaziland last year in support of the pro-democracy opposition. A Cosatu delegation is due in Harare later this month, and is expected to call on President Robert Mugabe’s government to respect workers’ rights, and rescind a recent 70% fuel price hike. – IRIN