TAZARA workers unimpressed by govt release of K37 million allocation for salary arrears, claim amount insufficient

The Crews and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CAWUZ) has dismissed reports that the K37 million released by the government to clear salary arrears for Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) workers represents a “salary galore,” revealing that the funds were insufficient due to outdated salary calculations.

CAWUZ president, Bevis Silumbe, stated that the K37 million allocated to cover arrears for August, September, and October was calculated based on old salaries, rather than the more than 30 percent increase agreed upon in a collective agreement that took effect in July last year.

“It is misleading to claim that TAZARA workers are enjoying hefty salary arrears. The government released K37 million based on old salary rates, which will only cover two months, not three as reported,” Silumbe explained in a telephone interview with Zambia Monitor on Monday.

The government announced the release of the funds on Friday, with Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali promising to settle the balance as soon as possible.

However, Silumbe argued that the disparity between the released funds and the updated salary rates has created confusion among workers.

“TAZARA management will need to top up the difference to cover the three months fully, but there is no assurance yet that this will happen. We are meeting management today to address the issue,” he added.

Silumbe also disclosed that management had begun liquidating the August payroll for unionized workers and planned to proceed with September arrears once August payments were completed.

The process will determine the remaining funds and how many workers can be cleared.

He said TAZARA workers remained skeptical about the adequacy of the funds and await further discussions between the union and management to resolve the shortfall.

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