Zim Government Workers Issue Salary Talks Ultimatum

Takudzwa Chihambakwe

Civil servants in Zimbabwe have hinted at going on strike if salary negotiations with the Government do not resume this week.

The two parties met on March 12, but the talks were inconclusive. The civil servants want a 150 percent pay hike which will see the least paid worker earn 30 thousand Zimbabwe dollars.

But the Government is proposing a 75 percent staggered increment. It is still unclear when exactly talks will resume.

Public Service Association president Cecilia Alexander told ZTN, “Unfortunately there has not been any communication from the Government to date and we are still waiting for them.

“However, we served them with a letter notifying them that we will go for a strike if they do not act soon. So if the worst comes to the worst then we will go the strike route. But we are willing to dialogue with them. Therefore we are giving them up until the end of the week to act.”

Meanwhile, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima says the talks will resume this week.

“I instructed the secretariat last week to ensure that the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting is held this week. So I will make a follow up on the matter. But definitely they should meet this week,” said Professor Mavima.