HARD pressed Zimbabwean workers earning less than the minimum living wage and buffeted by the headwinds of a shrinking economy commemorated this year's Workers Day in despair.
The International Workers Day is observed on May 1.
With the economy in a tailspin, worsened by the unfolding drought, all odds are stacked against Zimbabwean workers in a country with 90% unemployment.
The authorities have already indicated that US$2 billion would be required to feed the impoverished Zimbabweans, as they face the stark reality of biting hunger.
According to a document released by the National Employment Council for the Commercial Sectors of Zimbabwe on March 6, the lowest-paid employee in the sector is now taking home US$295, up from US$253 payable in the local currency at the prevailing bank rate, which is below the Poverty Datum Line pegged at US$575.
Apart from meagre salaries, the fortunate few employed Zimbabweans are also stalked by punitive salary taxes.
This week, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) forecast inflation at 57,5% though US economist Steve Hanke estimates it to be over 1 000%.
President of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe, Johannes Marisa told the Zimbabwe Independent that workers in the field were struggling in the face of Zimbabwe’s economic maelstrom.
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“The unstable exchange rates, high inflation, high unemployment rate on top of high interest rates are all nails on our heads,” he said.
“We need both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation with obvious improvement of working conditions. Both monetary and non-monetary rewards will play significant roles in capacitating workers.”
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions spokesperson David Dzatsunga also bemoaned the harsh economic conditions workers were subjected to.
“The currency crisis has caused a lot of angst as we have to hunt for US dollars on the black market to pay for rent, transport, health and education.
“Everything requires hard currency. More critically, currency instability is making it difficult to plan. We are scared of retirement.”
Zimbabwe’s pensioners are currently getting average monthly pay-outs of US$50 payable in the local currency from the National Social Security Authority.
