By Alois Vinga

THE Zimbabwe Tobacco Workers Industrial Union (ZTIWU) has petitioned Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube over static tax brackets which have eroded workers earnings.

In a letter dated May 17 2023 addressed to the treasury boss, ZTIWU secretary general, Emmanuel Mariro requested an urgent redress of the matter.

“The ZTWIU is a duly registered trade union to represent the interest of employees in the Tobacco Industry. The Trade Union is hereby requesting your good office to relook at the tax bracket on the lower income earner.

“The employees note that due to currency depreciation coupled with salary increases in line with inflation employees now invariably fail in higher tax brackets thereby lowering disposable incomes.

“Needless to say that, the bulk of the workers are on seasonal contracts lasting three to four months,” said Mariro in the letter.

He said it is best if the employees can get their wages tax free adjusted in US$ as they are struggling with hyperinflation and high taxation.

“The tax bracket in USD the employees who work for three to four months in the industry are suffering. Our request is that US$350 as a tax free portion will help employees.

“Your assistance in this regard will go a long way in addressing the plight of the workers hence we support all monetary and fiscal policy but on taxation help the workers,” added Mariro.