The Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trades Workers Union (ZCATWU) has accused companies contracted by the government of using delayed Treasury disbursements as an excuse for failing to pay workers on time.
In a statement, ZCATWU said some firms were also using the alleged delays as a pretext to stall wage negotiations with employees and their representatives.
“While the contracted companies blame the late payment of wages and salaries on systemic Treasury disbursement delays, ZCATWU is of the firm belief that the companies are using that as a scapegoat to sabotage both workers and trade unions, since they have the capacity to pay meaningful wages timeously,” the union said.
The union argued that employers should not shift the burden of operational challenges onto workers, who continue to bear the brunt of delayed salaries and prolonged wage negotiations.
ZCATWU further warned that companies that fail to meet their obligations risk violating provisions of the Labour Act governing the timely payment of wages and the protection of workers’ rights.
The union’s remarks come amid growing concerns over labour conditions in sectors linked to government-funded infrastructure projects.
The government has contracted several construction companies to undertake various infrastructure development projects across the country, including road rehabilitation, public building construction and other strategic works.
However, workers’ representatives have repeatedly raised concerns over wage-related disputes and delays in salary payments, arguing that employees should not suffer because of administrative or funding challenges between contractors and the State.
- Construction workers fight discriminatory Ipec law
- PSMI workers, managers on collision course
- Re-imagining the workplace: Abuse of rights and responsibilities in the workplace
- Empoyee’s right to fair wages
Keep Reading
ZCATWU said companies should honour their contractual obligations to workers and ensure that wages are paid on time, regardless of any delays in payments from Treasury.
