The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has scoffed at the recently gazetted minimum wages for domestic workers.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima, recently gazetted new regulations outlining the minimum wages for domestic workers.
According to Statutory Instrument 102 of 2022, domestic workers are now entitled to $10 000 and $11 576 for those taking care of children. The minimum wage for other employees was pegged at $25 000.
Last week Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) said the consumer basket for a family of six was $120 000.
ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said the new minimum wages are unacceptable, and workers should be paid their salaries in US dollars. Moyo said:
The $25 000 minimum wage is inadequate for any family and this is an indication that something is very wrong with this country’s monetary policies.
Government needs to stabilise currency issues or pay workers in United States dollars.
Workers are demanding USD salaries because they want to survive. It is also within their rights to negotiate with employers.
The government should respond to expert advice that has been proffered over the years on how to instil confidence in workers and the market.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Domestic and Allied Workers Union said the latest review of workers’ salaries did not improve their lives as the prices of basic grocery items continue to rise.