ZIMTA President’s solidarity Message on 2024 May Day Commemoration
Comrades and colleagues,
I am honoured to stand before you today on this May Day commemoration, where we gather as ZIMTA and Zimbabwean civil servants to rally for social justice and advocate for a decent work culture in our beloved country.
As we unite here today, we are reminded of the importance of solidarity and the power of collective action. We, as workers, play a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation and in demanding the respect and rights we deserve.
The theme for our meeting today, “Rallying workers for social justice and decent work culture in Zimbabwe,” resonates deeply with the challenges we face in our workplaces. We must stand together to address issues of fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for labor rights.
Respect of labour Rights and Labour law reform and harmonization.
Workers in government will recall that for several years now and precisely since 2013 we have been requesting the Government to bring the Public Service Act and Health Services Act into conformity with the Conventions 87 and 98 and the Zimbabwean constitution. This has not seen daylight, a development that goes against the grain of decent work agenda. This should be in full consultation with social partners, the trade unions. We expected that the operationalization of the TNF would allow for labour law reform and public service legislation harmonization to be concluded without further delay, but again we are left gaping in disbelief.
Fair wages
Civil service workers have been clamouring for fair wages and continue to be classified under PDL referenced entry salaries as this is akeen to poor recognition of the status and economic contribution to the country’s GDP by this class of workers.
Fair wages play a crucial role in promoting the decent work agenda within the civil service. By ensuring that employees are paid fairly for their work, it helps to motivate and retain talented individuals within the civil service. Fair wages also promote economic security and stability for employees, allowing them to meet their basic needs and support their families.
Additionally, fair wages contribute to reducing inequality and promoting social justice within the civil service. When employees are paid fairly, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or other factors, it helps to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, better decision- making, and improved service delivery within the civil service.
Overall, fair wages are essential for creating a positive work environment, promoting employee well-being, and advancing the goals of the decent work agenda in the civil service.
Safe Working Environment and Conditions
Safe working conditions in the civil service are a fundamental aspect of the decent work agenda. Ensuring safe working conditions means providing a work environment where employees are protected from hazards, risks, and harm to their health and well-being. This includes implementing measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace. We call upon the recalibration of PSMAS to promote such working conditions.
By prioritizing safe working conditions, the Public Service Commission will be demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of its employees and create a positive work culture based on respect and care. Employees who feel safe at work are more likely to be productive, engaged, and satisfied in their roles.Moreover, safe working conditions contribute to overall organizational efficiency and effectiveness. When employees are healthy and safe, they are better able toperform their duties, meet their targets, and deliver high-quality services to the public. This, in turn, enhances the reputation and credibility of the civil service.
In summary, safe working conditions are an essential component of the decent work agenda in the civil service as they promote employee well-being, organizational performance, and the overall quality of public service delivery.
Conclusion
It is unacceptable that many of us struggle to make ends meet while working tirelessly to serve our communities. We must demand fair compensation that reflects the value of our contributions. We must also push for policies that promote a healthy work environment free from discrimination and exploitation.
Social justice is not a distant dream but a pressing need that requires our immediate attention. Let us work together to create a society where every worker is treated with dignity and is given the opportunity to thrive.
Brothers and sisters, as we march forward on this May Day, let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us and paved the way for the rights we enjoy today. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to fight for social justice and a work culture that upholds the principles of fairness and equality.
Together, we can build a better future for all workers in Zimbabwe. Let us rally together, united in our cause, and determined to create positive change.
Mr. Akuneni Maphosa
ZIMTA President
