By A Correspondent| Zimpapers employees across the country are planning to declare incapacitation days before the upcoming Zanu PF conference in Bulawayo, as they struggle with significant salary cuts and the devaluation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.

Zimpapers, headquartered in Harare, has branches in Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare.

In September, Zimpapers reduced salaries by as much as US$200 and as low as US$100, with employees now earning 40% of their salaries in US dollars and 60% in ZiG. The devaluation of ZiG by 43% on September 27 has further exacerbated their financial woes.

“Things have become unbearable. We are now earning peanuts, and the management seems deaf to our cries,” said a Herald employee who wished to remain anonymous.

The employees are now considering incapacitation days to pressure management into addressing their grievances before the Zanu PF conference, which is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 27.

“We have no choice but to take this step. We need to be heard,” added another employee.

The Zanu PF conference, themed “Industrialise, Modernise towards Vision 2030,” is expected to draw over 4,000 delegates and will focus on the state of the economy and government policies.

Zimpapers is one of Zanu PF’s mouthpieces, the declaration of incapacitation will affect the ruling party’s communication efforts.

Zimpapers management has yet to respond to the employees’ plans, but the situation remains tense as the conference approaches.