By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) workers have demanded a salary increment and an adjustment in their Cost of Living Allowances (COLA).
The workers, through their two representative bodies- Zimbabwe Urban Workers Council Union (ZUWCU) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Allied Workers Union (PAMAWU) – made their submissions to the local authority for the first quarter of 2026.
ZUWCU requested that workers within their union be awarded an increment of 67 percent to their basic salaries and a 100 percent in COLA.
PAMAWU on the other handed submitted a proposal that their members’ basic salaries be increased from US$233 to US$600.
They are also demanding that their COLA be increased from US$192 to US$300.
According to a council confidential report, the two workers’ bodies submitted these demands to the local authority’s human capital director, Mr Makhosi Tshalebwa.
This is despite their previous four requests being unfruitful.
Council Cites Reasons For Refusal
“The financial services department notes and appreciates the structured and detailed manner in which the two unions presented their submissions.
“These proposals underscore the genuine concerns of employees arising from the prevailing economic conditions, which the department fully recognizes.
“Notwithstanding the above, financial services regrets to advice that it is currently unable to accede to the requested adjustments.
“The operating environment remains severely constrained by limited and unstable revenue inflows, escalating operational costs and the absence of commensurate tariff reviews to adequately support the budget,” reads the report.
The local authority further revealed that, in recent months, they were facing persistent challenges in meeting its wage bill obligation timeously.
“The department remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders.
“(It) will continue to monitor the economic and financial environment, with a view to revisiting these matters when circumstances permit.
Timelines For Salary Increment
“Given council’s prevailing financial performance as alluded to by the Finance Director, it was advisable to defer collective bargaining for the first quarter 2026 pending both further assessment of the organisation’s financial performance as well as approval of council’s Annual Budget Estimates for 2026 by the parent ministry in the near future,” reads the report.
In debating the issue, councillors reportedly suggested that there was need for a timeline on when the two parties would convene for collective bargaining.
They also sought clarity on how the revenue inflows would be quantified.
“In response, the Human Capital Director explained that the Financial Services Department had devised several strategies to boost revenue inflows.
Notable improvements in revenue collection were anticipated.
“The Finance Director further explained that the strategies that had been developed to enhance revenue inflows included the installation of prepaid water meters.
This is expected to ensure that consumers pay for services before use.
