Mine Workers Push For US$650 Minimum Wage

Mine workers in Zimbabwe are calling for a US$650 minimum wage in 2026, citing soaring global mineral prices, especially gold, which have boosted mining company revenues.

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has formally submitted the demand for higher pay.

ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema said workers are not seeing these industry gains reflected in their salaries, leaving households struggling with basic costs like rent, school fees, and groceries.

The union insists that rising profits in the mining sector should result in fair wages for the workers driving its success. Said Chinhema:

“Mining is performing well. Gold is performing well. Platinum and chrome are doing well, but that performance is not reaching the pockets of workers.”

The National Council of ZDAMWU, the union’s highest decision-making body between congresses, met in Bulawayo last week.

The new demand marks a significant rise from current salaries, which range between US$390 and US$400.

More: NewsDay

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