The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Correspondent
WORKERS are calling upon Government and private employers to devise sustainable initiatives to cushion them from biting economic hardships which have seen prices of basic commodities being priced beyond the reach of many.
The workers are requesting to be salaried in American dollars, though Government has repeatedly rejected the proposal saying it does not print the currency.
The workers made the plea during the International Worker’s Day commemorations held on Wednesday at Moffat Hall, Sakubva where Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other labour affiliations were gathered.
ZCTU vice president Ms Florence Taruvinga, who read the labour presidential speech, said after getting reports from all affiliates and economic experts, the ZCTU general council set the minimum wage at US$600.
“In coming up with the figure, the general council took into account the poverty datum line which stands at US$600,” she said.
Consumer Council of Zimbawe (CCZ) regional officer Mr Barnabas Masamvu said the current socio-economic situation requires a salary of about $900 per month, adding that anything below that is considered as poverty.
“A consumer basket for a low income urban earner since April 29 sums up to $900 for a family of six, of which bread is more expensive,” he said.
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare principal labour officer, Ms Rumbidzayi Ranganayi said Government was aware of the economic hardships faced by workers in Zimbabwe and was making efforts to solve these challenges.
“In light of all the socio-economic challenges faced by employees, Government is emphasising the issue of dialogue between the parties.
There is a need to discuss and negotiate so that all parties reach an understanding. This helps to create a harmonious and conductive working environment which also ensures good working relations between employers and employees,” said Ms Rangayi.
She said in a bid to solve these challenges, Government was in dialogue with employer and employee representatives.
“In an effort to resolve the socio- economic challenges currently faced by workers today, Government has engaged the other two parties, employer and employee representatives and negotiations are currently underway. “As we speak now the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) Bill that seeks to provide a platform for negotiations on socio-economic issues, is currently before parliament. The bill was gazetted in June last year,” said Ms Ranganayi.
The TNB bill seeks to create a binding legal framework among the social partners which are Government, employers and employees. As a result the law will enable the emergency of a binding, accountable, transparent, effective and responsive social dialogue platform capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the country especially in relation to employee and employer relationship and Government.
Meanwhile, in Rusape workers have said they still have confidence with Government initiatives to resuscitate the economy and address issues of skyrocketing prices of goods and services which have eroded their incomes.
Those who spoke to The Manica Post also hailed President Mnangagwa for his May Day message where he rebuked some businesses for wantonly and unjustifiably increasing prices of basic commodities.
They said the corporate world must heed the President’s clarion call and reduce their prices for the good of the economy and welfare of the workers.
