By Ziyah News Reporter
Workers at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) have spoken out against alleged unfair labour practices and constitutional violations by the water authority.
Speaking through a press statement released by Labour Consultant Linda Masarira, the employees list a plethora of grievances and alleged violations they claim are being perpetrated by ZINWA.
Some of the issues raised by the workers include not being paid a living wage that matches the Poverty Datum Line (PDL), not receiving bonus payments for 2024, delayed salary payments, lack of essential allowances, such as shift and risk allowances, no provision of protective clothing for over four years, no ccess to payslips or transparent salary information and denial of representation by a trade union of their choice
They also alleged being forced to work long hours without proper recognition or compensation and contract workers have been stuck in limbo for years, and some workers in acting positions are not being paid.
As part of the dispute management strategy, the ZINWA workers are demanding a meeting with ZINWA management within seven working days to address these issues. If their demands are not met, they plan to take legal action.
“We are standing firm to demand constitutional compliance, labour justice, and respect for the human rights of every worker,” said Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, Chief Labour Consultant at Mambokadzi Consultancy representing the workers.
The loud cries of the ZINWA employees echoes challenges most workers are facing in the country with blatant disregard of fair lbour practices being the order of the day. The situation hs been exacerbated by the politicisation of labour unions on party lines leaving workers without real representation and open to abuse.