Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called upon Chinese employers in the country to desist from breaching the labour laws of Zimbabwe through various forms of harassment and abuse at the work places.
Addressing scores of workers commemorating the Workers’ Day at Mkoba stadium in Gweru, ZCTU Deputy Secretary General Kudakwashe Munengiwa said there is need for employers to respect and adhere to the laws of the land ensuring fair labour practices.
“Let me also take this moment to warn the Chinese who are busy breaching our labour laws. You are going about crushing and beating workers in your work places. After that you demand that workers should not report acts of abuse and ill treatment. We condemn abuse against workers and we are coming for you soon, be warned,” said Munengiwa.
He also highlighted that about 70percent of the country’s population was now living in poverty before calling on government to consider US$ salaries.
“It is saddening to note that about 70percent of our population is now living in poverty, people are struggling. We want our salaries in US dollars. Why do you want to earn the dollar alone at the top and not together with your people? We want our wages in American dollar considering that the bond note is losing value daily. Let’s just dollarize for us to survive.
“If that demand is not met, we are going to meet in the streets soon and we will not tire until our demand as workers is met by the employer. By demanding US$, we are not fighting anyone but we are confronting the poverty people face daily. As leaders, spare us the Russia- Ukraine war blames, we don’t share any borders with them,” argued Munengiwa.
Mkoba Constituency Member of Parliament, Amos Chibaya said looking at this year’s theme of the workers day, the salaries tabled for workers were pathetic.
“In line with the theme, ‘restoration of workers dignity’, workers no longer have dignity. I was in Parliament speaking on the welfare of workers recently and even tasked the Ministers of Finance and Labour to have the wages of workers reviewed.
“Some of the Ministers were even shocked to hear that the minimum wage was below ZW $24 000. I told them to adjust wages to suit the Poverty Datum Line (PDL). It is just saddening to note that we have experienced a significant change as a family of six now requires ZW $92 000 to survive. As workers, let it be known that you are allowed to demonstrate as it is your constitutional right,” said Chibaya.
Women Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) Midlands Chapter representative Precious Mutumwa called for the recognition of the work done by women in the nation saying they are entitled to a better wage.
“Let’s also recognize the role being played by mothers not only in the work environment but even at home. Households stand strong today because women are working, looking after children, making sure that the family is fed.
“Please also remunerate us at our homes, we are workers, working for the family and nation as we are carrying the burden on our shoulders,” said Mutumwa.
Latest findings from Zimstats reveal that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person stood at $9 144 in February 2022 translating to $54 864 for a family of six.
However, the figure is way below that of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) which pegged the cost of living at $72 000 for a family of six as at January 2022.
