Zimra workers claim incapacitation, mull industria...

Zimra workers claim incapacitation, mull industrial action

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Allied Workers Trade Union has petitioned their employer demanding three-day working slots per week arguing that their salaries have been eroded and hence they cannot report for work daily.

A letter by Zimratu president, Dominic Manyangadze to Zimra Commissioner-General and also copied to the board chairperson Antony Mandiwanza details the hardships at the taxman’s institution.

Over the years, the revenue collector was known as an employer of choice due to hefty salaries but Manyangadze said exchange rate movements have left workers unable to report for duty daily.

He said the workers are struggling to meet their basic needs such as shelter, transport, food and school fees for their families.

“Further frustrated by the inadequacy of the transport allowance due to continuous erosion of the value of the ZWL payment caused by the exchange rate premiums against the intended US$2 per trip, being paid to the worker by Zimra; thus the amount is less than half of the US$104 required to pay for transport in a month,” said Manyangadze.

The workers group accused management at the evenue collector of not taking their concerns seriously.

“Concerned about the rapid deterioration of conditions of work of our members across the country and the effects thereof and perceived carefree attitude being displayed by Zimra regarding the workers concerns on this issue, inter alia;

“Surprised that the welfare of workers is not receiving tangible and adequate attention in the face of a hyperinflationary environment.

“Frustrated that the majority of Zimra workers are exposed to paying rent twice for themselves and their families due to the nature of their job; the current housing allowance being paid at the official bank rate is less than half of the official amount being demanded by landlords," Zimratu said.

The workers group said due to the unsustainable situation, they can't continue to subsidise the authority’s operations any further.

“Now therefore, given the foregoing and the inadequacy of remuneration, please take notice that our members will not have the capacity to consistently report for duty and thus a request for a work arrangement which enables them to report for duty three days a week.

“The workers further request that you prepare and favour them with a timetable /schedule stating the days each one is to report for duty by Friday May 26, 2023,” demanded Manyangadze.