By Nchimunya Miyoba
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says government should not take Zambians for granted for they are already stressed with the country’s bad economy.
ZCTU President Chishimba Nkole said economic challenges coupled with increased fuel prices has negativity affected the basic needs which has seen alot of people complaining about the high cost of living.
“We condemn the the increase in fuel prices affected by government a few days ago. It is ridiculous for CRB and government to increase fuel prices at this time of the year when everyone is complaining about the high cost of living,” he said.
Mr Nkole said 2019 has been disappointing, frustrating demoralising for the workers in the country as seen by the economic meltdown which has lead to high cost of living, increased fuel prices and inflation
And ZCTU has called for a national economic Indaba that will oversee strategies to put back the country economic course.
“2019 was difficult year because the economy continued on a trajectory of job losses without creating new ones hence putting pressure on the performance of kwacha against major currencies.
“The economy’s growth prospects were compromised by a number of challenges which included shortage of electricity, high debt service, low crop yields and low production levels,” he said.
Mr Nkole said the National economic Indaba should be taken seriously by government and not making political pronouncements meant to appease the citizens.
Mr Nkole said the union does not agree with government’s decision to slash salaries for senior government officers and heads of parastatal organization stating that the move will not provide a solution to the economic challenges the country is facing.
He noted that the move by the President is illegal because the head of state cannot unilaterally cut salaries of individuals adding that cutting of salaries will not address the suffering of the people.
He added that this year was difficult for most workers and the marginalised sections as they have been over burden by what he termed as retrogressive decisions made by government which saw the introduction of new taxes, high food prices, loadshedding and low income.
