Civil service strike loses steam

for work. Lessons resumed at most incentive-driven schools where teachers had joined the five-day strike that ends today. It was also work as usual at most Government departments and reports say teachers in most rural schools reported for work.
The strike was expected to gather momentum after civil servants rejected a USS$84 increment from Government on Wednesday, but most teachers ignored it yesterday.
The workers, who are demanding a minimum salary of US$538, were presented with a resource envelope of US$240 million to be used for improving their salaries and working conditions this year.
Government employees about 236 000 workers.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive, Mr Sifiso Ndlovu, yesterday insisted the strike was still on.
He said everyone was “anxiously” waiting for Tuesday’s National Joint Negotiating Council meeting. “Reports from our provinces show that student teachers are the ones teaching and to us the strike is on and has sat in,” he said. “The message has been driven across and we will continue fighting for what we deserve.”
Teachers Union of Zimbabwe chief executive, Mr Manuel Nyawo, said those teaching were doing so because of incentives from parents. “Some teachers have been called by their School Development Committees and have been promised incentives,” he said.
Teachers at schools like Coglane, Milton Junior, Gifford High in Bulawayo are teaching because they claim the incentives are satisfying them. A similar situation has been reported at such schools as Chikanga Primary, Mutare Junior and Mutare Girls all in Mutare.
In Harare lessons went on well at most schools except for those in high density suburbs. At Vainona High, Malbereign Girls High and North Park Primary schools lessons went on as usual.