Secretary of Zimbabwe’s Public Service Commission, Jonathan Wutawunashe (pictured) says Public Servants who fall ill with COVID-19 while on duty will be granted six months of leave on full pay.
“They will be fully looked after while they recover, even if there are complications that delay full recovery. We will also pay all the medical bills of front-line health staff,” Mr Wutawunashe said.
Generally, Public Servants are entitled to 90 days’ sick-leave on full salary if they are incapacitated by ill-health.
Mr Wutawunashe said the Commission was looking at several other ways to protect its workers.
“We have said most Government workers should work from home. You will recall that we said 15 per cent should report for their workplaces physically and that move is receiving huge support,” Mr Wutawunashe said.
“However, we realised that there is a need for more adjustments to cater for those who are going to work, risking their health and life to provide essential services to the people,” he said.
Mr Wutawunashe said negotiations were still continuing on a final agreement on improving Public Servants’ terms of employment including their salaries and wages.
“Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions, the Government is willing to conclude negotiations with unions representing Civil Servants over wages and other employment terms by September,” he said.
This follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s authorisation of an interim salary increment and a US$75 ($A102)-a-month ‘COVID-19 Relief Allowance’, paid outside the negotiations.
Harare, 31 August 2020
