Workers day :The aftermath

Whilst the nation joined the rest of the day in commemorating Workers day on the 1st of May there have been calls for workers needs to be reviewed on a daily basis in the country.

The holiday was characterized by gatherings in various parts of the country. There was not however much to celebrate as workers from various sectors lamented unfair labour practices in their respective industries. These included poor remuneration, pathetic working conditions and frustrating retirement packages.

Workers stated that the increase in prices of basic commodities was making life unbearable for them. The ZCTU secretary general Japhet Moyo remarked,”We call upon the government to lament the present unjustified price hikes, a situation that has left citizens and workers finding it difficult to stay afloat economically”. The sentiments were shared by the rest of the working class.

Calls have also been made for the trade unions to have dialogue with the government in order to come up with vibrant solutions that can benefit both the employer and the employee. There have also been suggestions that measures should be put in place to uproot corruption.

It was indeed a gloomy day for most people as they could not even afford to celebrate with the rise in the price of beer and other items. Furthermore travelling was virtually impossible owing to the high price of fuel.

A few months ago, doctors at Parirenyatwa hospital tearfully highlighted to the finance minister the challenges they were facing in their operations. These included lack of gloves, medicine and other equipment. Workers in other sectors such as teachers, traders and miners among others have all bemoaned harships bedevilling their workplaces.

It remains to be seen whether the grievances of workers will be addressed and with Vision 2030 being put into motion all that the workers can do is to hope for better times ahead.