The adjustment, and the continuation of the US$75 a month
Covid-19 allowance, are interim steps taken by the Government to help cushion
its employees while the negotiations are in progress. The Government would
continue negotiating an agreement in good faith, Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said yesterday.
In her appeal for patience from workers, Minister
Mutsvangwa said cognisant of challenges facing civil servants, the Government
was committed to improve their welfare.
“Normally, Government does not effect salary adjustments
without a signed agreement, but we have had to go out of our way to cushion our
dedicated workers. Negotiations at the National Joint Negotiating Council will
continue and any agreement arrived at will be honoured in the spirit of
collective bargaining.
“Government has had a long history of negotiating with its
workers in good faith and increases negotiated should not work against the
stability that has been achieved on the financial markets and price stability
as this will fuel inflation again and erode the gains we have achieved,” said
the minister.
Meanwhile, Minister Mutsvangwa has clarified the issue of
Covid-19 testing at the ports of entry.
“In order to facilitate faster and easier discharge of
returnees, it was decided that those travellers who presented Covid-19 free
certificates issued 48 hours from departure would be discharged for
self-quarantine.
“However, those travellers who displayed Covid-19 symptoms
regardless of having a valid Covid-19 free certificate will have to be tested
at ports of entry, along with those who do not have Covid-19 certificates.
“The cost of this testing, which is US$60, will be borne by
the traveller,” said Minister Mutsvangwa. Herald
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