Labour movements petition Minister over economic hardships

 

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions  and the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions  have jointly petitioned Public Service Minister July Moyo over the deepening economic hardships facing Zimbabwean citizens.

 In a letter dated October 15, the labour federations expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating economic situation and its negative impact on workers' wages and living standards. They highlighted the erosion of salaries due to the collapse of the economy and currency fluctuations since 2008.

 The federations criticized the government's lack of consultation on economic policies and the Reserve Bank's monetary measures, which have further exacerbated the challenges faced by workers. They specifically pointed to the recent 43% devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar and the subsequent price increases.

 The labour unions urged Minister Moyo to take immediate action to address the economic crisis, including gazetting a minimum wage in US dollars and convening the Tripartite Negotiating Forum to discuss the currency crisis and macro-economic situation.