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Flora Fadzai Sibanda [email protected]

NON-AFFILIATED workers’ unions in Bulawayo have expressed concern over the high forex black market, saying it was eroding incomes.

Some businesses are pegging goods and services on the black market rate that is now going at about US$1: $2 000 compared to the official one that is at US$1: $1 021.

The workers also said working conditions need to be improved so that they can be motivated to work extremely hard in supporting the Government so that Vision 2030 is met while everyone is on board.

More than 23 unions that include the Pharmaceutical and Medical Allied Workers’ Union, the Zimbabwe Engineering Metal Traders and Allied Workers’ Union among others gathered at Stanley Hall in Makokoba suburb yesterday to commemorate Workers’ Day.

May Day, Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday celebrated yearly on May 1.

Yesterday’s commemoration at Stanley Hall in Makokoba suburb ran under the theme ‘‘Advancing Decent Work Towards Vision 2030’’.

Mr Peter Mpofu, a representative of the non-affiliated workers’ unions, said workers have always been the backbone of the economy in any country and Zimbabwe is no exception.

“It remains our hope that the Government will raise the standards of workers to motivate them to participate in national building initiatives. Despite the significant progress in Zimbabwe’s employment terrain, workers continue to face discrimination, exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Some other challenges that workers are currently facing include the bank rate to black market; skyrocketing rates that the country is currently seeing which is not only making it hard for workers to survive but also causing many marital discords in our country,” he said.

Mr Mpofu said if challenges currently faced by workers are addressed, meeting Vision 2030 will not be a problem.

An official from the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ministry, Mr Jabson Mutadzwa, said Government is working tirelessly to ensure that workers’ livelihoods are improved so they live comfortably.

“Today we celebrate, appreciate and showcase what our nation has achieved in terms of guaranteeing fair labour standards, promoting labour creation and enhancing social dialogue to attain decent work. Zimbabwe recently signed its decent work program which aims to eradicate violence at work,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions held its own celebrations at the Small City Hall in Bulawayo.

It expressed concern over low wages, long working hours and other challenges.

Speaking during the commemorations, National Social Security Authority acting regional manager Mr Lovemore Mpofu said workers are the key people at a workplace.
— @flora_sibanda