BY JAMES MUTASA

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has renewed calls for workers to be paid in United States dollars as the only way workers can manage their lives in the current turbulent times until the government is able to effectively manage the economy.

Workers across sectors, largely earning in the local currency have been heavily affected by the economic meltdown as disposable incomes are eroded.

ZCTU President Florence Taruvinga, addressing the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe 42nd annual congress in Victoria Falls, said Zimbabwean workers have endured the vagaries of the economy for a long time and cannot keep up anymore.

“When we said we want to be paid in US dollars, we were all shot down as unpatriotic. A stable currency is for our benefit both workers and business. You cannot plan with what is happening in this country, where prices are changing every minute as business is trying to hedge against the siding ZiG. I am not sure for how long the government will continue keeping the Zig at this ridiculous official rate. The ZCTU has not moved from its position that workers be paid in US dollars until we are able to manage our economic fundamentals. This is the only way workers can manage their lives in these turbulent times,” she said

Taruvinga bemoaned lack of consultations in policy pronouncements which has affected workers as they can no longer plan.

“Prices of basic commodities are beyond everyone except the few. Just go to any shop that accepts the ZiG, you will notice that the prices are three or four times higher. Workers of Zimbabwe face serious decent work deficits and gaps that range from poor quality and unproductive jobs, unsafe work and insecure income; rights which are denied, gender inequality; inadequate protection and so forth. They also face exclusive form of unemployment and underemployment. Progress towards decent work calls for action by mobilising principal actors around this agenda at national level. Integrated decent work defines the priorities and targets within national development frameworks. Promoting decent work is a shared responsibility; it incorporates the needs and perspective of the governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations,” she said.