SERIOUS divisions have emerged within the rank and file of
the civil service on whether or not to go on strike tomorrow with the majority
of Government workers eager to give dialogue a chance while a few insist on
downing tools.
Unions had last week threatened an industrial action
despite ongoing talks with the employer. Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecilia
Alexander said yesterday it was only rational to give dialogue a chance.
She said nine unions representing civil servants had agreed
to shelve the industrial action opting for talks. Mrs Alexander said it was
shocking that others want to press ahead with the strike.
“We have come a long way with these negotiations. At first
Government did not want to hear of any increase, then it offered $160 million
which we rejected.
Government then offered $300 million which we also rejected
and the President chipped in with $63 million to cushion workers,” she said.
“Although we have declined all Government offers we feel we
should give negotiations a chance because Government has promised to look into
our concerns.
Government pleaded with the workers for time to make some
interventions on price reduction as well as make good on the long standing
promises on non-monetary incentives so we have to give it a chance.”
Mrs Alexander said they were making progress and downing
tools was not in the best interest of anyone.
“There is still room for our issues to be dealt with.
Strike may not be the best way to go. We had agreed as unions. We do not know
where the unions who want to proceed with industrial action are getting their
pressure from,” she said.
Mrs Alexander said she cannot declare a strike under the
circumstances as the council was too divided and those insisting on a strike
could go it alone.
In a statement to members yesterday, Apex council
secretary, Mr David Dzatsunga confirmed the discord. He said the National Joint
Negotiating Council (NJNC) of January 30 failed to reach consensus on the issue
of immediately proceeding to industrial action.
“While some, particularly those from the education sector,
insisted that teachers were ready for a strike, those from mainly the rest of
the civil service said their members were not ready for a strike and that they
would rather give dialogue a chance,” reads the statement.
He said as a result of the discord the Apex Council had not
declared a strike. Mr Dzatsunga said unions who have declared a strike were
doing so individually.
Last week the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) and
the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) issued a joint statement
giving notice of a strike, starting tomorrow.
Zimta chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday
said they were proceeding with the job action.
“We have been talking to Government since towards the end
of last year and nothing has come out of the negotiations save for Government
offering $50 and $107 to teachers. I have not seen anything dramatic in those
negotiations and we are not sure how educators are expected to survive under
these economic conditions,” he said.
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president
Takavafira Zhou was quoted accusing the Apex Council of making unilateral
decisions.
He insisted they were going ahead with the planned
industrial action. Government yesterday urged teachers to shelve the job
action.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima said
his ministry was going to meet with the teachers’ representatives today to
resolve the teachers’ non-wage issues.
“Government is sincere in what it is doing to find a way to
solve their (teachers) issue.
“They should give the ongoing dialogue where they are
represented by Apex a chance. I am personally sympathetic with their welfare
issue,” he said.
“I urge the teachers to also consider the welfare of
learners so that we do not lose any more time. They should consider shelving
their industrial action.
“We are advocating for them so that they get a cost of
living adjustment which is acceptable to them.” Herald
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