Govt calls for meeting on salaries

starting on Monday.
Apex Council consists of Zimbabwe Teachers Association, Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Public Service Association and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe.
The National Joint Negotiation Council said the agenda for Monday’s meeting includes a Government feedback to the workers’ concerns.
The NJNC brings together Government representatives and workers leadership.
“The Chairman invites members to a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council to be held on Wednesday January 25 2012 at 1000hrs at Kaguvi Building in the 9th floor boardroom,” read a letter from the NJNC.
All unions yesterday confirmed receiving the letter but said they were not moved by the invitation and would proceed with the industrial action. They, however, said they would attend the meeting.
TUZ chief executive Mr Manuel Nyawo said the letter was Government efforts to buy time.
“This is just a piece of paper and cannot stop us from our plans. What can stop the journey is a reasonable increment and we are pressing ahead. It is unfortunate Government’s letter is coming at a time when we have packed our bags and started our journey to prosperity. If we wait, it may take us to December 2012 under the guise of consultations.”
Apex Council chairperson and Zimta president Mrs Tendai Chikowore said: “The instruction still stands for the workers until we tell them the next step.”
The workers, among other things, are demanding US$538 for the least paid Government employee up from US$253.
PTUZ secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe described the proposed meeting as a “hump” meant to divert the workers’ attention.
“We are a vehicle in motion and cannot be moved by a mere invitation.
We have said nothing will divert us from fighting for what we deserve,” he said.
Zimta chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu added: “We no longer trust them. What if they do what Public Service minister Lucia Matibenga did last Tuesday? We can go and find no one.
“This means the struggle continues until we get an increment.”
PSA executive secretary Mr Emmanuel Tichareva echoed the same sentiments.
“We are going ahead and the letter will not stop us,” he said.
Minister Matibenga had agreed to meet the workers on Tuesday but failed to do so as she was attending an inter-ministerial taskforce on civil servants.
The union leaders waited for close to four hours and left without seeing the minister.
This prompted the workers to stage a one-day strike on Thursday that received an overwhelming response.