ZCTU calls for formalisation of informal sector
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) representative Barbara Tanyanyiwa has called for the formalisation of the informal sector suggesting that this will improve the recognition of informal traders as major contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Tanyanyiwa said this during a radio program that was aired on Skyz Metro FM as part of International Workers’ Day commemorations.
“In Zimbabwe, the lack of appreciation of the informal sector is a cause for concern. 95 percent of the workers in the country are in the informal sector and it is our wish as ZCTU that this sector is formalised,” said Tanyanyiwa.
Tanyanyiwa said workers’ rights should be observed during the lockdown citing that ZCTU is in the process of engaging government on cushioning benefits for informal traders.
“Workers in the informal sector don’t have decent work, accommodation because their stalls are demolished without their consent yet the informal sector is the largest contributor to the country’s GDP. We will continue to castigate the demolition of vendors’ stalls, fight for the rights of informal traders and push for the sector to be formalised.
Tanyanyiwa said trade unionism in Zimbabwe has changed a lot in that workers are facing many challenges and yet they cannot air their grievances and exercise their rights in the workplace.
“The government is anti -workers (sic). They are promulgating policies that do not favour workers. The workplace has been polarised and government has polarised trade unionism.
In the discourse of trade unionism, ZCTU has been mobilising workers though various oganisations. Workers’ rights have not been suspended during the current lockdown,” added Tanyanyiwa.
A resident from Gwanda urban, Talent Khumalo who is a fast food retailer said it is hard to make ends meet during a nationwide lockdown.
“The lockdown has affected my business which is my main source of income. Since the outbreak of this virus, I have now incurred so many debts and this is why I think a cushioning allowance from government will really go a long way. It will help me continue with my businesses and provide for my family,” she said.
Speaking during the same programme, Sithokozile Moyo a bead stringer and transport operator in Umzingwane District said the lockdown has greatly impacted on her business as she no longer has access to raw materials and access to markets.