By Staff Reporter

Parties to the national employment council for the construction industry have agreed to 240 percent salary increment which will see the lowest paid employee earning Z$17 000 per month from May 1.

The negotiators, which comprises of the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trades Union (ZCATWU) representing the trade union and the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) and the Building Contractors Association of Zimbabwe (ZBCA) representing the employers also approved a US$ 40 cost of living adjustment per month.

In a notification to employees the NEC said; “The Employers’ organisation and the Trade Union being parties to this council, have concluded their deliberations on the collective Bargaining Agreement   by way of an accord to increase wages to all categories of workers in the construction industry by 240% on minimum wages across the board as agreed and to take effect on 1^st May 2021. The parties have further agreed that the cost of living adjustment to all categories of workers in the construction industry of USD40.00 OR RTGS equivalent per month remains in place.”

The parties also agreed to a Z$200.63 housing allowance per day and Z$178.34 transport allowance per day.

ZCATWU General Secretary Nicholas Mazarura told the Building and Wood Workers International  (BWI) that the union played a key role in influencing e new wage agreement. "It was not an easy road and our fight for a decent salary continues. We would like to thank our affiliates and BWI for supporting us at all times."

BWI Regional Representative for Africa and the Middle East, Crecentia Mofokeng, commended ZCATWU for the efforts.

"We congratulate ZCATWU on this significant success amidst the economic and financial challenges facing Zimbabwe and its workers. This is sure to be a source of inspiration as we continue the fight for decent jobs and wages in the region."

Meanwhile wages in Zimbabwe have remained largely below the poverty datum line. Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency  showed that the cost of living for a family of five increased to $28 362 from $26 560 in March.

“The Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for Zimbabwe stood at $5 672,47 per person in April 2021. This means that an individual required that much to purchase both non-food and food items as at April 2021 in order not to be deemed poor. This represents an increase of 6,8% compared to the March 2021 figure of $5 312,19,” ZimStat said.