News / National
Zimra workers declare incapacitation
21 May 2024 at 03:19hrs | Views
Workers at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) have declared themselves incapacitated, citing their inability to afford basic necessities such as shelter, transport, food, and school fees due to low salaries.
In an urgent letter obtained by NewsDay, the Zimbabwe Revenue and Allied Workers Trade Union (Zimratu) expressed their plight, stating that they are living in poverty while management continues to refuse to engage with them regarding their inadequate salaries.
The workers indicated that they are no longer able to consistently report for duty.
Zimratu highlighted that workers are frustrated as their landlords demand rent in United States dollars, while their housing allowances are set at US$75, payable in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
"We are now incapacitated to afford basic human needs like shelter, transport, food, and education, among others. It is disheartening that the salary of a Zimra worker can no longer afford basic food items due to inflationary pressures and the continuous dollarisation of the economy," reads the letter signed by Zimratu president, Dominic Manyangadze.
"The rapid erosion of our salaries has left workers near destitute, forcing them to resort to borrowing and side hustles to make ends meet."
Zimratu also pointed out that medical services are now accessible only in US dollars and that the cost of living has significantly increased due to drought, exchange rate fluctuations, and inflationary pressures.
"There are significant price increases on basic commodities, school fees, health expenses, and communication, among other costs.
"The Zimra workers have continued to perform exceptionally well even in the face of very difficult working and economic conditions but are now having to supplement their incomes from side hustles," the letter continues.
The labor group noted that all non-managerial workers are now surviving by borrowing to supplement their eroded wages.
In an urgent letter obtained by NewsDay, the Zimbabwe Revenue and Allied Workers Trade Union (Zimratu) expressed their plight, stating that they are living in poverty while management continues to refuse to engage with them regarding their inadequate salaries.
The workers indicated that they are no longer able to consistently report for duty.
Zimratu highlighted that workers are frustrated as their landlords demand rent in United States dollars, while their housing allowances are set at US$75, payable in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
"We are now incapacitated to afford basic human needs like shelter, transport, food, and education, among others. It is disheartening that the salary of a Zimra worker can no longer afford basic food items due to inflationary pressures and the continuous dollarisation of the economy," reads the letter signed by Zimratu president, Dominic Manyangadze.
Zimratu also pointed out that medical services are now accessible only in US dollars and that the cost of living has significantly increased due to drought, exchange rate fluctuations, and inflationary pressures.
"There are significant price increases on basic commodities, school fees, health expenses, and communication, among other costs.
"The Zimra workers have continued to perform exceptionally well even in the face of very difficult working and economic conditions but are now having to supplement their incomes from side hustles," the letter continues.
The labor group noted that all non-managerial workers are now surviving by borrowing to supplement their eroded wages.
Source - the chronicle
