The National Employment Council (NEC) for Zimbabwe’s mining industry has received a petition urging immediate cost of living adjustments to miners' salaries.

This request arises from the continued devaluation of the Zimbabwean currency, known as the ZiG, which has severely impacted workers' purchasing power.

In a letter earlier this month, Justice Chinhema, General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mineral Workers Union, reached out to the NEC, underscoring the critical financial challenges faced by mine workers. 

He stressed that escalating inflation has made it increasingly challenging for workers to fulfil their basic needs, Bulawayo 24 News reports.

“We urge you to convene an emergency meeting of NEC parties to discuss the implementation of a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This is crucial to protect mine workers from the devastating effects of currency devaluation and the exorbitant price hikes on essential goods and services,” he stated.

The union is calling for a uniform Cost-of-Living Adjustment of US$200 to compensate for the losses caused by the depreciation of the Zimbabwean Dollar. 

Chinhema highlighted that these adjustments are crucial for maintaining workers' morale, avoiding labour disputes, and ensuring the stability of mining operations. 

Furthermore, Chinhema noted that the recent exchange rate adjustments made by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe have worsened the circumstances for mine workers, whose salaries are already below the poverty line. 

He suggested implementing quarterly salary reviews and incorporating a 90% USD component in salaries to protect workers' earnings from potential future currency fluctuations.

The union is urging for a prompt response to this issue, highlighting the necessity of providing immediate relief to the mine workers who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic crisis.