By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has bemoaned the mean salaries being paid to the country’s workers such conditions contradict Decent Work standards.

The World Day For Decent Work is commemorated annually on October 7 by bringing   trade unions, union federations and other workers' associations together in developing their action plans to promote the idea of decent work.  Actions vary from street demonstrations to music events or conferences held in many countries.

Speaking at an event to reflect on the commemorations, ZCTU President, Florence Taruvinga bemoaned the rampant labour abuses which still remain topical in Zimbabwe despite decades long fight by the workers.

She said the decent work agenda is premised on a comprehensive framework promoting fair and productive employment conditions for everyone, built on four strategic pillars: employment creation, rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.

“The foundation of these pillars has been undermined in Zimbabwe. Decent work is now a privileged discretion of the employer. We practically do not have the right to strike, which is the workers’ last line of defence. The four pillars have been decimated.

“Our environment is no longer supporting clean investment entrepreneurship that ensures everyone has access to job opportunities,” she said.

Taruvinga said the Rights at Work guarantees that fundamental principles and rights are respected, ensuring benefits, fair compensation, and protection from exploitation have been undermined in view of recent court judgments.

The ZCTU leader noted that social protection pillar which Involves providing security and social protection for families, including compensation for illness or injury is also gravely compromised.

“While social dialogue platforms have been established engagements have not been fruitful. Government and business have connived to negotiate in bad faith in an effort to bash unions and render them ineffective,” she said.

Taruvinga added that  wages have  remained  subdued across the world and the situation is even dire for local workers whose average earnings are below USD250-00 per month when the poverty datum line is well over USD500-00 per month.

“Due to high unemployment those at work are forced to accept peanuts and sacrifice their rights and interests,” she added.