adminat least for now, a chance while the other two unions – Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe – have urged their members to go on strike.
President Mugabe assured the civil servants that they would get a salary increase this month. But Finance Minister Biti who previously argued that he could not review the salaries because Government was operating on a “shoe-string” budget is now saying he would increase the salaries after a civil service audit of the staff levels.
This is despite the Public Service Commission and Treasury officials indicating that it was possible to increase state workers’ salaries. The lowest paid Government worker is taking home an average of US$150, which is way below the datum line estimated at US$502. Most civil servants started receiving their salaries yesterday without adjustments.
CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARIES
Zimta chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday urged their members to report for duty saying they should give dialogue a chance. He said their union would not go on strike at a time consultations were on going.
He, however, said they resort to industrial action when an impasse becomes apparent and declared.
“Government processes are underway that uniquely involve political principals. We advise our bonafide members to allow the principals, cabinet and our representatives to conclude the consultation and negotiating process.
“ZIMTA urges its members to continue with their duties during this month and thereafter a position will be taken,” he said.
Minister Biti is expected to present the mid-term fiscal policy on July 16. Public Service Association deputy chairman Mr Jeremiah Bvirindi said they wanted to give President Mugabe’s pledge a chance.
“An undertaking was made by the highest authority in the country. For now we will wait and respect that until month end,” he said. Public Service Minister Eliphas Mukonoweshuro last week said salaries would be reviewed this month.
In a statement TUZ chief executive Mr Manuel Nyawo said it was clear that nothing would come from Government. He said their members would be on strike starting today. Mr Nyawo castigated utterances by Minister Biti linking increasing civil servants salaries to “ghost workers”.
He said: “His (Biti) sudden U-turn is shattering and devastating. The writing is now on the wall for everyone to see that Biti is playing political darts with our conscience.
“Why was he mum on the issue of the ghost workers? We are tired and nauseated by the political game Biti is playing with our lives. We now need men and women of strong acumen who are ready to fight, not only for their survival, but the very future of their children.”
PTUZ secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe said their members were already on an indefinite strike. He accused APEX chairperson Mrs Tendai Chikowore of failing to convene a meeting so that they take a collective effort.
“We are on strike including her (Chikowore) members. She failed as to convene a meeting so we can’t continue being silent while our members suffer.
“This issue must not be politicised, we just want to register our discontent to the one who should release our money,” he said.
He added: “We know children are suffering because of this politicking but there is nothing we can do.”
Speaking at an MDC-T rally on Sunday in Gweru, Minister Biti indicated that there would be no salary increment for civil servants, a direct defiance of Government, which approved an upward review of the salaries.
Cabinet recently agreed to give the lowest paid worker amounts in the range between US$253 and US$397 and said the onus was now left on Minister Biti to determine when to release the money. The principals in the inclusive government President Mugabe, Prime Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara have directed Minister Biti to effect the salary increase.
However, Mr Tsvangirai backtracked at the Sunday rally saying Minister Biti could not increase the salaries because there was no money.
Online Reporter