Zimra workers lament poor salaries

Source: Bulawayo24 News

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) employees, including those stationed at border posts where they face the temptation of bribes, have declared incapacitation due to their inadequate salaries. These workers argue that their current pay cannot cover basic necessities such as housing, transportation, food, and other essential needs.

The Zimbabwe Revenue and Allied Workers Trade Union (ZIMRATU) has accused ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa and her senior executives of neglecting the 2024 first half collective bargaining talks. Consequently, ZIMRATU has declared a state of incapacitation for its members, citing severe financial difficulties and unresolved issues by ZIMRA's leadership.

ZIMRATU's position follows the significant erosion of real wages, the non-implementation of the 2023 second half Collective Bargaining Negotiation (CBN) Arbitral Award, and ZIMRA's failure to address critical welfare concerns.

In a statement, ZIMRATU emphasized that employees at the tax authority are struggling to make a decent living with their meager salaries. "We are now incapacitated to afford basic human needs like shelter, transport, food, education, among others," ZIMRATU stated. "It is disheartening that the salary of a ZIMRA worker can no longer afford basic food items due to inflationary pressures and the continuous dollarization of the economy," the union added.

The workers also expressed frustration over inadequate housing and transport allowances, which are exacerbated by the high cost of living. They are demanding a living wage that reflects their efforts and the economic reality.

"The rapid erosion of our salaries has left workers near destitute, forcing them to resort to borrowing and side hustles to make ends meet," said ZIMRATU.

ZIMRA workers highlighted the severe devaluation of their salaries, noting that most commodities, including medicines and school fees, are now priced in hard currency (USD). They also pointed out the recent hike in school fees, with many schools charging in USD and requiring additional top-ups.

Furthermore, the workers noted that nearly all medical services are now only accessible in USD, and the cost of living has significantly increased due to drought, exchange rate fluctuations, and inflationary pressures.