ZIMBABWE
The union representing the majority of Zimbabwe’s Public Servants has rejected a 76 per cent pay offer from the Government, saying it does not keep pace with the cost of living.
The Apex Council said the boost fell far below the demands of PS employees, who it said were “buckling under the pressure of skyrocketing living costs”.
The offer would see the lowest-paid worker taking home about US$1,025 (A$1,520) a month, up from US$580 (A$860).
The union is asking for US$4,750 (A$7,050).
The offer came after some workers had threatened strike action over the high cost of living.
However, the Public Service salary bill already gobbles up more than 90 per cent of tax revenue.
The pay impasse is part of gathering storm clouds facing the Zimbabwean Government amid shortages of basics such as fuel, bread and medicines and surging prices when the goods are available.
A Harare court freed on bail 10 people arrested during protests by a rural teachers’ union, a day after the demonstration over poor salaries and working conditions.
Eight of those arrested are from the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, whose members gathered outside the Ministry of Finance’s offices to present a petition as part of their protest.
They carried a small red cardboard coffin, which they said symbolised the death of their livelihoods because their salaries had dropped in value.
Magistrate Nyasha Vitorini granted them bail of less than US$5 (A$7.40) each and ordered them back to court on 1 October.
Earlier, the International Monetary Fund warned the Government against increasing PS wages, saying public wage growth must be aligned with economic growth and Government revenue.
Harare, 26 August 2019
