Chronicle Editor
Lincoln Towindo, Harare Bureau
Civil servants started receiving their cushioning allowances last week, with Government reiterating its undertaking to adjust salaries on April 1 as it moves to protect the public-sector workers against recent price hikes.
The allowances range from 22,5 percent to 5 percent for the lowest-paid and highest-paid workers, respectively. The comprehensive measures that are being rolled out by Government – which is currently implementing austerity measures to restore macro-economic stability – also include roping in the private sector.
Further, this week Government will convene the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) in order to lay the foundation for establishing a viable social contract among Government, business and labour.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza is set to meet employer representatives and trade unions in what will be the first meeting between the parties in months.
“The President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) offered cushioning allowances, having taken note of the economic hardships impacting people due to the fuel price increase and the general cost of living. It is a once-off payment and not negotiable, and it covers the period from January to March. The money has already been released by Treasury. It is given on a sliding scale, with the lowest-paid worker receiving 22,7 percent, while the highest-paid workers get 5 percent.
“But come April 1, we will review all civil servants’ salaries, but more importantly, we have ongoing negotiations through the NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council), which we are hopeful that they will be concluded in the shortest time possible.”
The TNF is a platform for consultations, cooperation and negotiation on social and economic issues. It is also considering finding a lasting solution to conflict among the three social partners.
Our Harare Bureau has gathered that Government intends to press for a productivity-linked salaries and also urge employers to commit to justifiable pricing of goods and services during this week’s meeting. Authorities also intend to float the idea of non-monetary benefits for workers in lieu of frequent salary adjustments.
Government and civil servants are still negotiating on the proposed salary increase. Government last week tabled a $300 million package, but public-service workers are demanding a $1 733 salary, inclusive of allowances, for the least-paid worker.
derick.khumalo