The Zimbabwean government has earmarked funds to enhance civil servants’ salaries, with a focus on increasing the US dollar component to mitigate the effects of the recent devaluation of the ZiG.
Workers’ representatives will discuss a revised salary package aimed at improving earnings for lower-income government employees during upcoming consultations at the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo shared insights with the Sunday Mail, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting salary adjustments.
“The Government has allocated a significant amount in US dollars to ensure that salary adjustments benefit all civil servants. However, under the President’s directive, we have prioritised the upliftment of lower-income employees to bridge the wage gap,” Moyo stated.
He expressed confidence that the proposed salary adjustments would be satisfactory for the government. He also believed that workers’ unions would find them acceptable once consultations are complete.
Moyo emphasized the need for immediate financial relief for those at the bottom of the pay scale, noting that senior officials could manage with their current salaries.
In addition to salary increases, the government plans to announce details regarding annual bonuses. Minister Moyo assured that information on the bonus payments would come shortly after consultations with Treasury.
“We will announce the bonus details after discussions with Treasury, but it will certainly be paid,” he affirmed.
Cecilia Alexander, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, welcomed the decision to pay bonuses.
She noted that the April agreement linking salaries to the US dollar exchange rate would ensure that the government adjusts the ZiG component to maintain workers’ purchasing power.
Negotiations on salary increases and bonuses are ongoing, with discussions expected to conclude soon.