ZCTU accuses government of neglecting responsibility over workers salaries during lock down

Staff Writer

ZIMBABWE Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has come out guns blazing accusing government for neglecting responsibility during the Coronavirus lockdown period over salaries payment for workers during the lock down period.

This follows remarks made by Labour Minister,Paul Mavima last week when he told the media that government is not going to force employers to pay salaries.

“We can’t force employers to pay salaries, we have to approach this problem with tact and dialogue,” Mavima said.

However, ZCTU secretary general, Japhet Moyo said workers are disturbed by reports in the media attributed to Mavima saying “instead of encouraging employers to pay, the Minister is giving them leeway not to pay.”

“Most companies will take the Minister’s words and dodge their responsibilities.We have already received cases of employers who are refusing to pay their workers during the lock down as well as others who are forcing workers to take their leave days,” he said .

The labour group chief said COVID-19 is an international and national calamity calling on everyone to play his or her part.

He accused government of neglecting responsibility saying in the event that employers are not ready to pay up then government must step in and compensate the workers for the time they were not paid.

“The government should not shy away from taking leadership and its responsibility. It should play a regulatory role in industrial relations issues both in the public and private sector.

“The only inference we draw from such statements is that most government top officials, including Ministers, are shareholders in most businesses and therefore stand to benefit when employers are not encouraged to pay wages during the lock down,” alleged Moyo.