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Zimbabwe mine workers demand US$650 minimum wage
17 Feb 2026 at 13:16hrs |
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The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDaMWU) has formally tabled a US$650 minimum wage for mine workers, marking what it describes as a decisive push for better pay in 2026.
The demand comes against the backdrop of soaring global mineral prices, particularly gold, which have significantly boosted revenues for mining companies. However, workers say these gains have not translated into improved earnings, leaving many households struggling to meet basic living costs such as rent, school fees and groceries.
ZDaMWU's national council - its highest decision-making body between congresses - met in Bulawayo last week and resolved that this year must mark a turning point in the fight for fair compensation. The proposed US$650 minimum wage represents a sharp increase from current earnings, which range between US$390 and US$400.
"Mining is performing well. Gold is performing well. Platinum and chrome are doing well, but that performance is not reaching the pockets of workers," said ZDaMWU general secretary Justice Chinhema.
Zimbabwe's mining sector, home to major gold producers and exporters, has benefited from favourable international prices and increased production. Yet rising export earnings have done little to lift stagnant wages, according to the union. Workers say disposable income is virtually nonexistent, leaving families vulnerable to debt and financial strain.
The union has accused employers - represented by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe - of prioritising profits over fair wage adjustments.
"They believe in super profits," Chinhema said. "They do not believe in sharing."
Employers, however, argue for wage restraint, citing the need to maintain currency stability and manage inflation to safeguard long-term investment in the sector. Workers counter that macroeconomic stability holds little meaning if take-home pay cannot sustain basic survival.
"Stability of the local currency must not come at the expense of workers' livelihoods. An income must be able to put food on the table," Chinhema said.
He also criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by some employers, alleging that workers are being encouraged to take up funeral policies instead of seeing meaningful wage adjustments.
"You cannot push workers to prepare for death when they are struggling to live," he said.
Beyond day-to-day survival, ZDaMWU maintains that wages should enable workers to invest in skills development and remain competitive as mining technology advances. At current pay levels, Chinhema argued, professional growth and training are out of reach for many employees.
As Zimbabwe's mining industry continues to post strong international performance, the debate over wage equity is intensifying. For ZDaMWU's national council, the issue ultimately boils down to bargaining power — and for 2026, the union has made its position clear: the campaign for a US$650 minimum wage has begun.
The demand comes against the backdrop of soaring global mineral prices, particularly gold, which have significantly boosted revenues for mining companies. However, workers say these gains have not translated into improved earnings, leaving many households struggling to meet basic living costs such as rent, school fees and groceries.
ZDaMWU's national council - its highest decision-making body between congresses - met in Bulawayo last week and resolved that this year must mark a turning point in the fight for fair compensation. The proposed US$650 minimum wage represents a sharp increase from current earnings, which range between US$390 and US$400.
"Mining is performing well. Gold is performing well. Platinum and chrome are doing well, but that performance is not reaching the pockets of workers," said ZDaMWU general secretary Justice Chinhema.
Zimbabwe's mining sector, home to major gold producers and exporters, has benefited from favourable international prices and increased production. Yet rising export earnings have done little to lift stagnant wages, according to the union. Workers say disposable income is virtually nonexistent, leaving families vulnerable to debt and financial strain.
The union has accused employers - represented by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe - of prioritising profits over fair wage adjustments.
"They believe in super profits," Chinhema said. "They do not believe in sharing."
Employers, however, argue for wage restraint, citing the need to maintain currency stability and manage inflation to safeguard long-term investment in the sector. Workers counter that macroeconomic stability holds little meaning if take-home pay cannot sustain basic survival.
"Stability of the local currency must not come at the expense of workers' livelihoods. An income must be able to put food on the table," Chinhema said.
He also criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by some employers, alleging that workers are being encouraged to take up funeral policies instead of seeing meaningful wage adjustments.
"You cannot push workers to prepare for death when they are struggling to live," he said.
Beyond day-to-day survival, ZDaMWU maintains that wages should enable workers to invest in skills development and remain competitive as mining technology advances. At current pay levels, Chinhema argued, professional growth and training are out of reach for many employees.
As Zimbabwe's mining industry continues to post strong international performance, the debate over wage equity is intensifying. For ZDaMWU's national council, the issue ultimately boils down to bargaining power — and for 2026, the union has made its position clear: the campaign for a US$650 minimum wage has begun.
Source - Newsday
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