The civil servants’ umbrella body, the Apex Council, yesterday met government representatives in a bid to resolve their salary impasse, but came out empty-handed after government failed for the umpteenth time to table a better offer.
Apex Council president Tendai Chikowore told NewsDay government workers yesterday submitted a new salary structure demand with the minimum salary pegged at $567 per month.
Civil servants gave government a 14-day ultimatum to respond to their fresh demands.
But Chikowore declined to disclose their next course of action if the government ignored their demands. The parties met in Harare under the auspices of the National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC) to review civil servants’ salaries.
“The government was not prepared to accept the proposal and said they would consult their principals,” Chikowore said. “We want the government to quickly discuss this proposal and give us a response within the next fortnight.
Public Service minister Lucia Matibenga however told NewsDay that she could not comment on the matter as she was not at work.
“I am not at work, I am going to go back to work in August,” she said.
The civil servants’ leaders petitioned President Robert Mugabe in May after earlier attempts to effect an increment through the NJNC failed.
