Zimbabwe’s Government workers and pensioners have been offered a COVID-19 risk allowance paid in United States dollars as it seeks to cushion them against the high cost of living.
Unions described the $US75 ($A104) for current workers and $US30 ($A41.50) for pensioners as a “token allowance”.
The payments follow a demand for a salary increase by Public Servants, some of whom, such as teachers, have threatened industrial action.
Minister for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima refused to discuss the allowances with journalists.
“The statement issued is coming from the Ministry and you need to talk to the Civil Servants and pensioners as they are the ones affected,” Mr Mavima said.
“You can get a reaction from them,” he said.
Chair of the Apex Council, the umbrella body for Public Service unions in salary negotiations, Cecelia Alexander said the Council was due to hold talks with the Government and she would not comment until after that.
However, General Secretary of the Progressive Teachers Union Zimbabwe, Raymond Majongwe rebuffed the offer.
“What we want as teachers is enough money to take care of our families and pay bills. This offer is merely the Government trying to silence us and not addressing the real challenges,” Mr Majongwe (pictured) said.
Before this announcement, Public Servants and pensioners had been receiving COVID allowance in local currency, which is worthless outside of the country.
Harare, 10 January 2022
