While the figures were not immediately available yesterday,
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said
further negotiations would be guided by the recognition of the need to
continuously improve the welfare of civil servants.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister
Mutsvangwa said: “Cabinet received a report on the status of negotiations held
by the National Joint Negotiating Council on July 7, 2023, where it was agreed
that the current offer of salary adjustments as proposed by Government be
effected immediately.
“The parties further agreed that consultations and
negotiations will continue guided by the spirit of continued improvement of the
welfare of the civil service. The decision by the parties takes cognisance of
the need to afford the measures being implemented by the fiscal authorities to
take effect.”
Government has been taking various measures to stabilise
the local currency against the US dollar and other major currencies as part of
broader measures to reduce the cost of living for the generality of people.
Last week, Government and civil servants’ representatives
paused salary negotiations with the joint workers’ team wanting higher
increments for the second quarter pay rises in both foreign currency and local
currency components, than what the Government had offered.
Civil servants are already benefiting from other perks that
include US$250 for the least paid worker along with non-monetary benefits such
as houses and vehicle schemes, but they still want more pay, partly to restore
value.
Following the adjournment of last Friday’s meeting, Public
Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Paul Mavima, said the
Government remained committed to improving the plight of its workers.
“Government remains committed to improving the welfare of
its employees and will continue to engage workers’ representatives in a bid to
improve conditions of service for civil servants.”
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union
chairperson, Mrs Cecilia Alexander, last week said negotiations would continue.
“The Government had its offer tabled and discussed.
However, the workers’ side representatives acknowledged the offer but asked the
Government team of negotiators to consult their principals for an improvement
in both US dollar and Zimbabwe dollar components with the view to restore and
improve the value,” read the statement.
ZCPSTU said the meeting is expected to reconvene in the
shortest period.
The Government has been reviewing civil servants’ salaries constantly in order to cushion them from price hikes as it remains resolute in supporting and improving their welfare. Herald
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