NMWUZ reject 7 percent annual wage increment

Harare- The National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe has raised concern over the recent decision where an agreement was reached to award a 7 percent annual increment to workers in the mining sector. In a statement, NMWUZ , President, Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka said the agreed wage increment was far below their expectations which is a Povert Datum Line minimum wage of $US 1200.Nhomboka said the agreed wage increment was shocking considering that the minerals exports were thriving at the international market where precious mineral prices like diamonds, platinum and gold among other minerals had picked value significantly. “National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe notes with great concern the wage increment.

Workers in the Mining sector were greatly in anticipation of a poverty datum linked wage of at least US$1200.00 for the lowest paid employee, but that was to no avail as only a combined 7% was awarded for the whole year. “This insignificant increment took the minimum wage for the sector to US$410.00, recording an increment of less than US$20.00. This increment is against the backdrop of a thriving industry boasting of precious minerals like diamond,platinum and gold, just to mention but a few “These precious minerals are fetching very lucrative prices on the local and the international market.

More so the industry boasts of being the highest foreign currency earner in the country, making it a high productivity sector. ” Nhomboka said workers in the mining sector viewed the latest agreed increment as an insult to their cause and aspirations as they felt that their sweat and hard work was not taken into cognisance. “This time the increment has received a backlash from the workers who have been patient over the past years hoping that their industry would consider rewarding them commensuratly for their efforts they are putting in the success story of the industry.

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“The promulgated wages came into effect from January this year and they are without any meaningful complimentary allowances like housing and transport which had also been anticipated to take effect this year.” Nhomboka added that the latest wage increment is a betrayal to worker’s.“For the industry, this year has already been done and dusted and whatever economic upheavals that may come our way during the course of this year, our fate has already been decided up December as we have to wait until next year for another wage review. For the meantime workers continue to suffer the brunt of a minimum wage which cannot sustain their families.” Nhomboka said the National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe outrightly reject the latest wage increment agreement which he says does not reflect the concerns of workers in the mining sector.

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