Talks underway to adjust civil servants’ salaries 

22 May, 2022 - 00:05 0 Views
Talks underway to adjust civil servants’ salaries 

The Sunday Mail

Harmony Agere 

GOVERNMENT and civil servants’ representatives are set to meet and negotiate proposals for a fresh salary adjustment to cushion workers from recent price increases, a Cabinet Minister has said.

The parties are expected to hold a National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC) meeting to deliberate on the welfare of Government workers.

NJNC comprises Government and public service representatives under the banner of the Apex Council.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said he will soon convene NJNC after receiving a request to put the issue of salaries on the agenda.

Government can only come up with an offer after negotiations.

“I am aware that civil servants have requested a meeting of the NJNC.

“It will be arranged at the earliest convenience for both parties and in line with the Government’s commitment to always review and improve the conditions of service of civil servants.”

Public sector workers have been calling for improved salaries in the wake of resurgent inflationary pressures caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and volatility of the local currency.

Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary, Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, said Government understands the plight of its workers.

“In the normal rhythm of things, civil servants are responding to inflationary pressures and are seeking an improvement in their salaries.

“I think we need to commend the civil servants because they are continuing to come to work taking advantage of some cushioning measures taken by the employer.”

He said Government is taking a holistic approach towards improving working conditions for civil servants.

The recent release of $2,6 billion for tuition fees of teachers’ children is among targeted benefits by the employer.

“Details of 103 556 children of some 52 171 teachers from all the 10 provinces have so far been identified by schools as eligible for this benefit. In February this year, as a way of improving the welfare of teachers and as part of a host of other incentives extended to civil servants, the Government made an undertaking to pay school fees for up to three biological children per teaching family, paying up to $20 000 per child per term. These payments would be made directly to schools.”

Ambassador Wutawunashe said Government is continuing with collecting data of the remaining beneficiaries.

“Given the sheer scale of the exercise, Government is aware that there may be schools which are yet to furnish the requisite details but has taken the decision to make disbursements in respect of schoolchildren whose details have been verified and submitted by schools while awaiting the completion of the exercise in respect of those whose details may still be outstanding.

“For that reason, parents whose children’s details have been provided will shortly receive the benefit in respect of Term 1, which will be followed by the disbursement by the Government of fees due for Term 2.”

Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions spokesperson Mr David Dzatsunga confirmed that the unions had submitted a request for an NJNC meeting.

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