Economic woes haunt workers

TANATSWA KANDENGA
The majority of workers are finding it difficult to make ends meet and eke a living because of the current economic problems, labour unions have said.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary general, Japhet Moyo, told Business Times that the nation observed Workers’ Day yesterday at a time the majority of workers are experiencing  multiple challenges  as a result of difficult economic conditions.

“We are commemorating the Workers day at a time when the majority of workers are facing multiple challenges. Workers  are demanding an inclusive Zimbabwe free from poverty,” Moyo said.
He added: “We are joining the rest of the world in commemorating Workers Day when wages and salaries have been lagging behind, when compared with costs of accommodation, food, and high costs of health as a result of galloping inflation.
“The plight of the workers has deteriorated to an extent that most workers cannot afford a decent meal, cannot send their kids to school and are living from hand to mouth.”
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) secretary, David Dzatsunga weighed in saying: “Currently we expect that we will continue to dialogue with the employer with a view to improve wages to at least US$ 540  a month for the lowest paid worker”.
He added: “The current wages are still well below that threshold and workers are struggling to make ends meet. Also we are asking for an improvement in the allowances for housing and transport and of course on the other non-monetary incentives.”