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ZCTU statement on the price of fuel increases
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
June 29, 2005

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) condemns the enormous margin of the recent increase in the prices of fuel as announced by Petroleum Marketers of Zimbabwe.

While there is consensus on the need for the adjustment of fuel prices in line with international oil prices, the ripple effect of the three fold increment goes back to haunt the workers who are experiencing transport problems, because of the acute shortage of fuel.

The admission by the Petroleum Marketers Association of Zimbabwe that the ‘increases would not result in a drastic change of the fuel supply situation’ means that the public transport situation will not improve further exacerbating the plight of workers, as this increase will only trigger drastic increases in prices of basic commodities.

Already, transport operators are charging fares as they please without proper justification.

While the increases were unavoidable, the ZCTU fills that they should have been staggered over a period of time so as to help workers adjust to the constant increase of transport costs as well as other basic commodities.

The ZCTU therefore urges the government to immediately find means of procuring fuel as the perpetuation of the current situation will only result in the suffering of workers and the generality of Zimbabweans.

Meanwhile, the ZCTU also urges employers to award meaningful salary increases that will cushion workers against the biting cost of living.

Wellington Chibebe
SECRETARY GENERAL

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