International Labour Organisation Denounces Austerity Measures

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has denounced Zimbabwe’s austerity measures as they hurt the workers and the poor.

Speaking at a Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) organised workers day rally on May 1, Hopolang Phororo, ILO Zimbabwe country director said that austerity measures have poor results everywhere they were implemented. Phororo said:

As the ILO, we take note of the lessons learnt from other countries following the global recession of 2009.

The evidence is clear that austerity hurts the workers and the poor. Cutting back on workers’ rights and protectionism does not stimulate economic growth. We are convinced that through dialogue, workers, employers and government can chart a better, just and inclusive path towards economic growth and development.

She also observed that the Zimbabwean situation had deteriorated since last year. The ILO boss said that working conditions continue to deteriorate whilst workers’ salaries remain stagnant.

Her sentiments are in resonance with those of Godfrey Kanyenze who viewed the “recovering economy” rhetoric as a fantasy. Kanyenze recalled and likened the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) era to the current crisis.

• Related:
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• We Must Protect Workers, Ensure They Are Not Taken Advantage Of – Mnangagwa To Amend Labour Laws
• Govt To Amend the Labour Act
• Austerity Measures Mostly Affecting The Have-Nots

More: newzimbabwe.com