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way forward after Government did not increase their salaries, despite Finance Minister Tendai Biti’s promise that Government would award an inflation-related salary increment this month.
Minister Biti made the promise in his 2013 National Budget presentation last year.
In an interview yesterday, Apex Council president, Mr David Dzatsunga, said civil servants wanted to know why Government was evasive about meeting them over the issue of salaries.
“The Apex Council held a meeting today and we deliberated on why the inflation-related increment that was promised by Treasury did not come and why Government is not forthcoming when it comes to the issue of salary increments for its workers,” said Mr Dzatsunga. We have since resolved to summon Minister Matibenga to come and address us and tell us Government’s position on the issue. The Minister should also explain why we are not receiving any communication to keep us updated.”
Mr Dzatsunga said Minister Matibenga’s response during the meeting, which has been slated for Tuesday, would determine their action.
“We are expecting to meet the Minister on Tuesday and we cannot reveal the way forward before we meet her. What she will tell us during the meeting will be a pointer as to what to do next.
“If we, however, do not get the expected results, we will have no option but to take drastic measures that will attract enough attention from the Government and bring positive changes that will change the lives of every civil servant,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
He said the Apex Council was disappointed in Minister Matibenga’s attitude towards the issue of civil servants’ salaries, saying they expected her to appreciate the plight of civil servants and communicate with them regularly on Government’s position on the issue.
“The Minister’s attitude is a new problem that we have to deal with as she is not briefing us on what is happening. We are under her keep and it is our legitimate expectation that she becomes a comprehensive link between the Government and us.
“We are aware that the ministry is not the one that makes decisions on the issue of civil servants’ salaries, but we would appreciate it if the Minister communicates with us and then tells Cabinet what we expect so that we also keep our members updated,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
Minister Matibenga could not be reached for comment yesterday as her mobile phone was not reachable. She is on record as saying the Public Service Commission is in a better position to comment on the issue of civil servants’ salaries.
The lowest paid civil servants are getting $298 per month and the workers want the lowest salary to be above the Poverty Datum Line which is pegged at above $500.
Online Reporter