The civil servants representative body, Apex Council, said their one-day strike yesterday recorded a 70% success, prompting them to call for another week-long industrial action beginning on Monday next week.
The government employees are demanding a $538 minimum wage, in tandem with the poverty datum line.
Yesterday, confusion reigned countrywide as some civil servants took heed of the strike call, while others ignored it.
A survey by NewsDay revealed at some schools in and around Harare prefects reportedly took charge as teachers downed tools, and the same happened at schools in high-density suburbs like Kuwadzana, Highfield and Mbare.
However, in Bulawayo many ignored the proposed industrial action and reported for work.
A Mpilo Central Hospital nurse who chose to remain anonymous said they could strike while people were in need of medical help.
Teachers at schools around the city could be seen conducting lessons in class.
In Masvingo, the situation was gloomy. Schools like Victoria Junior Primary, Runyararo Primary and Don Bosco Primary had virtually no activity as children were sent back after teachers joined the strike.
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Apex Council chairperson Tendai Chikowore said the strike had been a success and they were now mobilising members to press on next week.
Said Chikowore at a Press conference last night: We have made a statement and as we roll into next week, we shall build on todays success . . . We are going to execute a five-day strike from Monday the 23rd to Friday the 27th of January 2012.
The burden is now with government to act reasonably and avoid prolonged confrontation, she said.
