SALARY negotiations between civil servants and government
yesterday ended prematurely after some workers’ union representatives stormed
out of the meeting, accusing their employer of not being committed to improving
their welfare.
Apex Council leaders, however, said they had given
government up to tomorrow to come up with an improved package or they would
declare a full-blown strike.
But Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)
president Takavafira Zhou later accused the Apex Council of making unilateral
decisions, adding that since they were not consulted on the latest decision,
they were going ahead with the planned industrial action.
“Apex Council decisions are done collectively and not
unilaterally. The recent unilateral statements allegedly by (chairperson)
Cecilia Alexander that Apex Council has postponed industrial action to open
room for negotiations is unfortunate and has no locus standi,” he said in a
statement.
“Alexander must make decisions after consulting Apex
affiliates. That she has unilaterally given a statement without consulting
affiliates reveals her flirtation and romance with the employer.”
Zhou said they “cannot continue to negotiate for infinity”,
adding teachers would withdraw their labour until the impasse was resolved.
He accused the Apex Council of betraying the struggle and
called for the realignment of the body.
“Our withdrawal of labour is certainly not synonymous with
a shutdown. Let expedient elements desist from hijacking labour issues,” Zhou
warned.
“The law is clear that there must be three negotiating
meetings, and workers thereafter can either decide to push negotiations by
other means, viz industrial action or arbitration. That we gave notice of
industrial action means we have chosen the path of industrial action,” he said.
The rift between the civil service body and unions was
visible as some union leaders refused to brief the media on the outcome of the
meeting, while others implored the Apex Council leadership to show character
and not deviate from the “agreed position”.
Civil servants are demanding $1 733 for the least paid
worker.
Initially, the union leaders met with government at the
National Joint Negotiation Committee, but no new offer was presented.
Government recently offered a 22,7% cushioning allowance
and 5% per month to its workers on a sliding scale between January and March,
but the offer was shot down as pittance.
David Dzatsunga, the Apex Council secretary, told
journalists that they would be meeting government again tomorrow.
“Following the expiring of the 14-day notice given to
government by the Apex Council on Friday January 25, 2019, the Apex Council
gives the government up to Wednesday January 30, 2019 or face an inevitable job
action,” he said.
PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said government
should pay civil servants in hard currency.
“The most important part is that the government is not
taking civil servants seriously,” he said. Newsday
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