Zim Govt to review civil servants’ salaries

The government is set to review civil servants’ salaries and cushioning allowances as it sets to pacify its employees.

It is understood the salaries will go up to about ZWL$70 000 from ZWL$36 000 and US$200 from US$175 respectively.

Civil servants’ umbrella body, Apex Council’s chairperson, Cecilia Alexander, told Business Times that the review will not be enough but will help to improve the welfare of the workers.

A well-placed source told Business Times that the government has yielded to workers’ demands as the review will see most workers getting nearly US$300 per month.

“The actual amount is yet to be finalised but according to the proposed papers, the Treasury has set the US$ portion at US$200 and the ZWL$ component at around US$70 000.

“This week, the Treasury will submit the proposals to the (inter-ministerial) Committee. Then, it will have a meeting with the civil servants on the government’s position,” the source said.

Some representatives within the Apex council believe the proposed salaries and allowances were still lower than their expectations.

“I don’t trust the Treasury as the minister and his team are hard to get, you see them once in a blue moon hence  they should review it to US$300 and the ZWL$120 000 . With that we know that when they do another one, we will be at a better position,” Apex member, who preferred anonymity, told Business Times.

Government workers are demanding a pre-October 2018 salary level of US$540 a month saying their low salary no longer matches the rising cost of living.

Efforts to get a comment from Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima were futile as his mobile number continuously went unanswered.

-Businesstimes