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This was after Government workers summoned her to address them and explain why the employer was silent regarding the review of their salaries.
Civil servants also wanted the Minister to explain why the inflation-related increment promised by the Finance Minister Tendai Bitit was not effected this month.
Mr Dzatsunga said the meeting was fruitful.
“As far as we are concerned, it was a fruitful meeting as we managed to map the way forward. We asked her to explain what Government was doing to improve salaries and working conditions for civil servants.
“She promised us that some announcement would be made soon as she is consulting with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Commission,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
He said Minister Matibenga, however, did not commit herself as to when she would make the announcement, saying the discussions were still in progress.
Mr Dzatsunga said the Apex Council was happy that it finally met Minister Matibenga.
“Although we are not aware of what is in store for the civil servants, we are glad that we finally met the Minister and she stated reasons why she could not meet us, which we understood.
“Such meetings are guided by a Statutory Instrument and accordingly, the Minister is not allowed to meet individual unions, but the Apex Council, which is not in existence at the moment as far as the Government is concerned. She went out of her way to hold the meeting after our request and we are hoping that more positive developments are coming,” he said.
Mr Dzatsunga said the Apex Council had also agreed to meet the old Apex Council, led by Ms Tendai Chikowore, to form one negotiating committee.
This comes after Government turned down civil servants unions’ request to recognise the old Apex Council to spearhead salary negotiations.
Minister Matibenga ordered the workers’ representatives to legally reconstitute the body that represents the workers.
“We have agreed that it is up to us to put our house in order, which is in the best interest of the workers. We have since agreed to meet next Monday with members of the old Apex Council. During the meeting, we will come up with a negotiating team of nine people that will engage Government,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
Minister Biti promised civil servants a five percent inflation related salary increment this month.
The lowest paid civil servant is getting $296 per month and the workers want the lowest salary to be above the Poverty Datum Line, which is hovering around $600.
Online Reporter