The workers who earn about US$230 a month on average, want salaries in line with the poverty datum line pegged at US$500.
Kudakwashe Munengiwa, the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Urban Council Worker’s Union, said since the beginning of the year, the workers have been in constant negotiations with council management.
"Talks have not resulted in any positive things for us. The only way is to withdraw labour. The workers are in agreement with that move and at present we are finalising processes to ensure the strike is within the limits of the law," Munengiwa said.
However, Mayor Teddius Chimombe maintained that council's wage bill was already above the acceptable threshold of 30% of the budget.
Gweru's 2011 budget is US$ 21 954 460. It is understood the wage bill will consume US$7 052 050 which constitutes 32.12% of the overall budget.
Council is also reacting to Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo's directive that salary increases should be frozen. The strike will negatively impact Gweru residents who have repeatedly complained of drastic fall in service delivery.
Post published in: News