daniel chigunweBlessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Harare City Council workers have declared incapacitation due to a two-month salary backlog, stating that they will only work two to three days per week until their salaries are paid.
This decision comes amid growing frustration over delayed payments, which have left workers struggling to cope with the cost of living.
The workers, represented by the Zimbabwe Municipalities Nurses and Allied Workers Union (ZIMNAWU), raised the severe impact of the salary delays on their livelihoods, working conditions, and overall well-being.
In a letter addressed to the city’s human capital director, ZIMNAWU president Simbarashe Tafirenyika said delays in salary payments have caused financial hardship and discontent among workers.
“In light of the situation we are left with no choice but to declare that our members will only be able to work two or three days per week until the employer resumes timely payment of salaries.
“This decision is intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees who can no longer afford to work under conditions that compromise their dignity and wellbeing,” reads the letter.
The union pointed out that salaries are being eroded by inflation, leaving workers unable to meet their basic needs.
The letter also noted that employees have not been paid for the month of December 2024 and January 2025, and already into February, the situation has become untenable.
The workers have called on the City of Harare to adhere to Statutory Instrument 13 of 2015, which stipulates that workers should be paid by the 28th of each month.
Online Reporter