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The workers unions yesterday also said the decision by Government to introduce a rural allowance for rural educators was not a solution to the problem bedevilling most civil servants.
Apex council chairperson Mrs Tendai Chokowore yesterday confirmed today’s meeting saying the response from the Government side yesterday was disappointing.
The Public Service Association, Zimbabwe Teachers Association, Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe fall under the Apex council.
“There is no meeting with Government in sight. I talked with the Government chief negotiator (Prince Mupazviriho) and it is clear that Government has no position as far as our demands are concerned.
“We are meeting today and this would be the final day where we decide on what collective action to take,” he said.
Civil servants, mainly teachers, have threatened not to report for duty beginning next week.
Government had agreed to meet the workers by today but officials on Wednesday said they would be able to convene a meeting after completing consultations.
The Apex Council has submitted a position paper of their demands to Government where they want the lowest paid worker to get US$538.
Meanwhile, unions said the reintroduction of rural allowance was going to cause more divisions in the education sector.
Government is on the verge of introducing an allowance for rural teachers to compensate incentives which most urban educators are getting.
TUZ chief executive Mr Manuel Nyawo said many teachers in peri-urban areas were not receiving incentives.
“That’s not a panacea to our problems. There are a few in the rural areas getting incentives, a few in the urban areas not getting them, how will they deal with such a disparity,” he said.
PTUZ secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe said while it was a “welcome attempt”, Government wanted to perpetuate payment of incentives to teachers by parents and guardians.
Online Reporter