Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Workers in Zimbabwe’s mining sector have received a wage hike fixed in United States dollars.
Following the adjustment, the lowest-paid worker in the sector is set to earn US$355 per month, while the highest-paid worker will now receive US$823.37 beginning January this year.
However, 35% of the wages will be paid in Zimbabwe dollars.
Further, the agreement says companies that do not generate foreign currency may be allowed to pay the full US dollar amount in local currency equivalent using the official Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) auction rate.
Before the adjustment, the lowest paid mining employee got $217 299.84 per month, while the most paid took home $503 994.78.
The new salary structure was agreed upon by the Associated Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (AMWUZ) and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe on 13 March 2023.
A circular sent to mine operators seen by NewsDay reads in part:
Foreign currency-generating companies shall pay the new minimum wages in both US$ and ZWL (Zimbabwe dollar) portions as provided for above.
Non-foreign currency generating companies may be exempted from the requirement to pay in dual currency and shall pay the new monthly US dollar minimum wages as provided for above at the prevailing auction rate on the date of payment.
Professional and General Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe president Abraham Kavalanjila said the new salary structure is “fair” but “it’s not enough due to the unpredictability of our economy.” He added:
At least if it was US$500 then workers were going to be happy and would take care of their families’ daily needs.
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