Harare-The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently convene a Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) meeting to address economic challenges being faced by the nation.

The economic situation continues to deteriorate on a daily basis with citizens hardly hit. In a letter to President Mnangagwa ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said the situation is unstable.

 “Your Excellency, the situation on the ground is volatile and the nation is on the edge. Your intervention in this matter is urgently sought,” said Mutasa.

Mutasa said the price increases has had a negative impact on lives of ordinary citizens.

 “Your Excellency, the rising inflation and prices has had a devastating impact on ordinary citizens incomes for those lucky enough to be in work or to have a pension, (which has been) miserably eroded, condemning many into abject poverty.

“Their predicament is worsened by the fact that most people do not have access to foreign exchange, while service providers are demanding payment in hard currency. All of this leaves most people unable to pay for critical services, be it education, housing, healthcare or transport.” said Mutasa

In January, the labour movement organised a three-day stayaway after Mnangagwa announced a 150% fuel price hike.The stayaway turned violent and 17 people died whilst hundreds were injured.