Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), the umbrella union for civil servants, met with government representatives on September 11 under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a collaborative platform that brings together government officials and public sector unions, providing a forum to explore viable solutions to address the concerns of state workers.
In a statement issued the day after the meeting, the ZCPSTU announced that the parties would reconvene this week. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The NJNC reconvened yesterday to discuss the cost of living (COLA) for civil servants. After lengthy deliberations on the envelope tabled by the employer, the parties agreed to adjourn to give time for further consultation.
The NJNC agreed to meet in the coming week to receive feedback on the consultations and for further deliberations.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s civil servants receive a basic salary of US$320, supplemented by less than ZWG$2,000.
Over the years, civil servants have been demanding a return to their pre-October 2018 salary of US$540, and more recently, their demands have increased to US$840.
However, the government has consistently maintained that it cannot meet these salary demands, implementing only marginal increments that still fall significantly short of covering the basic needs of civil servants.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Civil servants in Zimbabwe met with the government to talk about their pay. The government and the unions will meet again to discuss COLA for civil servants. Civil servants get a low salary and want it increased to meet their basic needs. The government says it can't meet the demands for higher salaries. The two sides will keep talking to try to find a solution. The workers are hoping for better pay to cover their expenses. The process is ongoing, and both sides are trying to find a fair agreement.

COLA: Government, Civil Servants Set To Meet Again

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), has demanded teachers’ right to collective bargaining under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a platform where the government and unions representing civil servants engage in negotiations with the government related to civil servants’ salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, 08 May 2023, ZIMTA president Akuneni Maphosa said teachers are disheartened by the government’s reluctance to convene the NJNC. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
As schools open for the second term of 2024, this week, the teaching fraternity, which encompasses teachers, education directors and some lecturers has plunged deeper into the turmoil of struggling to survive with insufficient salaries, a situation which is constantly undermining the quality of education delivery, mostly in the public education system.
Dissatisfied members of the teaching fraternity are sadly trickling back to their workstations under difficult and unforeseen circumstances as the employer has failed to respond to the calls for meetings to discuss salary increases, during the month of April 2024, which should mark the first quarter negotiations of the NJNC meeting which has been the norm over the years.
ZIMTA in its representation of the various structures within the teaching fraternity has made various attempts to draw the employer to the discussion table with no success. Because of this attitude from the employer, members of the teaching fraternity believe that their Right to Collective Bargaining under the NJNC is being infringed upon. We demand to have our RIGHT restored back to us.
As civil servants in the teaching fraternity, we are deeply dissatisfied with the way the employer is failing to set up the rightful mandatory meetings for the workers to further discuss the way forward and increase levels of salaries and allowances for Teachers, this process is long overdue.
As a loyal workforce working under the Public Service Minister, we believe that we have a right to present our grievances, such as the need to have a better salary, therefore we publicly demand that the NJNC must convene as soon as possible.
Because of the current low incomes obtaining in the teaching fraternity, educators are increasingly finding it unsustainable to deliver and facilitate a conducive environment for enabling quality teaching and learning.
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal number 4, which the Zimbabwean Government is signatory to, will only be achieved on condition that quality public education is well funded and that teachers who are the key facilitators, are motivated and well remunerated through the releasing and payment of improved salaries.
Teachers’ morale matters, yet dissatisfaction caused by poor salaries continues to grow almost monthly as prices of goods and services rise but the salaries of educators are almost on a downward fall. This mismatch is huge.
The issue of awkward grading systems between junior and senior grades is a cause for concern amongst members of the education fraternity and we hereby make an urgent call for the employer to address it alongside the awarding of new salaries for educators.
Finally, we call on the employer to provide a meeting date for a salary review for educators as continued infringements on their right to negotiate for better salaries may have dire consequences and undesirable outcomes that affect Zimbabwe’s delivery of quality public education for all. Access to quality public education is a Right of Every Zimbabwean Citizen.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands Teachers' Right To Negotiate For Salary Increments

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has reiterated its demand for USD$840 salaries for its members.
ZIMTA Secretary General Goodwill Taderera said they have already submitted a position paper to the Government outlining their expectations. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
We are still demanding a meaningful salary increase for teachers and this demand is on our agenda this month. According to a position paper which has already been tabled to government, a sum of USD$840 must be the entry level salary for a qualified teacher.
</blockquote>
He said teachers expect to be awarded salaries that align with their profession, their qualifications, their experiences and the workload.
Taderera said that the US$20 salary increment granted to civil servants fell significantly short and not enough to cover their basic needs. He said:
<blockquote>
Our demand is also, as per our last negotiations where the government, of course, gave us $20.00 and on the part of teachers $39.00 payable in RTGS but still, we thought that this was a mockery on our part and because of that we think that the government should be serious going forward to give us something quite meaningful.
A salary increase of $20.00 is just about nothing to take home, a salary increase of $ 39 RTGS which they are now calling Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG) again is just about nothing to take home about considering the inflationary pressures that are there and the cost of living that is also prevailing within the economy
</blockquote>
The Government recently raised civil servants’ salaries to US$320, up from US$300, and indexed the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing official exchange rate.
The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) is expected to meet this month where ZIMTA plans to table its demands.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Makes Fresh Demand For Teachers' Salaries

Civil servants have pleaded with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo to convene an urgent National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting to address their demands for better salaries.
The NJNC is a platform that brings together government representatives and public sector unions aimed at addressing civil servants’ concerns.
In a letter addressed to Moyo, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) acting president Goodwill Taderera said the continuous erosion of civil servants’ salaries has driven them deeper into poverty. He said:
<blockquote>
The situation is no longer sustainable, as many of these devoted public servants are struggling to meet even the most basic of needs due to the erosion of their salary values in the face of continuous economic pressures.
The noble calling of public service should neither be a silent promise of hardship nor a path to poverty, yet many civil service workers are now submerged in financial distress, finding it challenging to uphold their roles and provide for their families.
A motivated civil service is the backbone of efficient and effective public administration. Their welfare is directly correlated with the welfare of the nation.
</blockquote>
Over the past few years, civil servants have been demanding at least US$800 for the lowest-paid employee up from US$540 they used to earn pre-2018 when the economy was still dollarised.
Civil servants earn about US$250 in hard currency and less than US$100 in worthless RTGS currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Push For Urgent NJNC Meeting

The Government has increased civil servants’ forex and local currency salary components with immediate effect.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Government will continue negotiations with civil servants’ representatives to improve its employees’ welfare. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet received a report on the status of negotiations held by the National Joint Negotiating Council on 7 July 2023 where it was agreed that the current offer of salary adjustments as proposed by Government be effected immediately. 
The parties further agreed that consultations and negotiations will continue guided by the spirit of continued improvement of the welfare of the Civil Service.
The decision by the parties takes cognisance of the need to afford the measures being implemented by the fiscal authorities to take effect.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, secretary-general David Dzatsunga acknowledged the salary increase when contacted by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-to-adjust-civil-servants-forex-local-currency-salary-components/">Chronicle</a>, but declined to disclose the figures. He said:
<blockquote>
The figures are not what we proposed as workers, but we want to believe they will still bring some relief to the plight of the civil servants.
Unfortunately, I cannot reveal how much of an increase it is because we took a position as a panel not to make the figures public after realizing that once they are made public, it triggers a lot of things on the market.
The government put across their proposal which fell short of ours, but seeing the plight of our members, we felt it was better for that to be implemented as we continue with the negotiations.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday,  <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013836/no-joy-for-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> cited sources who attended the NJNC meeting last Friday as saying the government had tabled an increment of US$50 hard cash and the equivalent of less than US$40 in local currency.
Civil servants have been advocating for a minimum of US$840 per month, a figure that went up from the initial bargaining amount of US$540.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Awards Civil Servants Salary Increment

The National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) is set to reconvene this week after the talks between the Government and civil servants held last week were inconclusive.
The Government and the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), formerly Apex Council, met in Harare on Friday to discuss civil servants’ conditions of service but they failed to reach an agreement.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013836/no-joy-for-civil-servants">NewsDay</a> on Monday, 10 July, ZCPSTU chairperson Cecilia Alexander said that the two parties have since agreed to meet again this week. She said:
<blockquote>
We had negotiations with the government on July 7th on Friday on the salary increment on both the US dollar and local currency components.
The meeting was not conclusive as the government is in consultation with its principal.
The government said they are going to consult further on the increment and we have since agreed to meet seven days from the day we met.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, NewsDay reported sources who attended the meeting as saying the government had tabled an increment of US$50 hard cash and the equivalent of less than US$40 in local currency.
Civil servants have been pushing the Government to restore their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 for the least-paid employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Salary Talks To Resume This Week

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said that Government officials and civil servants’ representatives will meet on Friday, 07 July to discuss conditions of service for civil servants.
In a statement, Mavima said the Government is committed to improving the welfare of its employees. He said:
<blockquote>
Following my announcement on 25 June 2023 that Government will effect a new remuneration package that includes an increment in the United States dollar component for civil servants to cushion them from the rising cost of living.
I am pleased to announce that Government and worker representatives will convene the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting on 07 July 2023 to discuss conditions of service for civil servants.
Government remains committed to improving the welfare of its employees and will continue to engage workers’ representatives in a bid to improve conditions of service for civil servants.
</blockquote>
Last Thursday, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Union (ZCPSTU) wrote to Mavima requesting an urgent meeting to review civil servants’ salaries.
ZCPSTU, formerly the Civil Service Apex Council, is the union representing civil servants.
In the letter, ZCPSTU expressed disappointment over what it termed “unreasonable delays” by the Government to convene a salary review meeting.
ZCPSTU said recent media reports of Government officials promising salary negotiations had raised workers’ hopes, yet the promises have not been fulfilled. 
Mavima denied reports that the Government was in the process of drawing a package that will see employees earn a minimum of US$400 when allowances are factored in.
He insisted that the Government has not come up with any salary package for its workers.
Public sector workers currently earn US$250 in allowances, while their salary, which is in the fast-depreciating Zimbabwe dollars, is now about US$1
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Convene Salaries Meeting

The Government is reportedly set to convene the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting to review conditions of service for civil servants in the coming few weeks.
In an interview with <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/06/01/government-to-convene-njnc-meeting-soon-mavima/">New Ziana</a> on Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a>, said Government ministries are already working on a framework for reviewing civil servants’ salaries. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
So, that consultation is taking place. It might take about a week or so, but once we have that framework and clear indicators of what is possible from the Government’s side, we then convene the NJNC, which will be a discussion between the representatives of the workers and the Government team.
</blockquote>
The Government awarded civil servants a 100 per cent salary hike in April this year but the increment has since been eroded by rising inflation.
Civil servants also rejected the 100% salary increment offer, accusing their employer of unilateralism.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Alexander">Cecilia Alexander</a> said no agreement was signed when Government representatives and civil servants met under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The Government, however, proceeded to effect the salary increment in spite of protests from civil servants.
The adjustment included an increase of the COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250 per month across all sectors, excluding the health sector.
Teachers were awarded a US$80 teaching allowance payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate with effect from April 1, 2023. The school fees payment facility for children of teachers was scrapped.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt To Meet Civil Servants Over Salary Increment Soon - Mavima

The Government says it will review civil servants’ salaries soon to cushion them from rising prices of goods and services.
Responding to questions from journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday regarding the Teaching Professional Council Bill and whether it will change the negotiations on teachers’ salaries, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said:
<blockquote>
The platform for salary negotiation is another platform and this will not disrupt any negotiations that are taking place.
That is why Professor Mthuli Ncube has just indicated that the review of civil servants’ salaries has already started and it is another platform.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-cushion-workers-salaries/">The Herald</a> that the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), the umbrella forum for discussions on pay and conditions of service within public service, will meet within two weeks to discuss the percentage increase. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The percentage is subject to negotiation in the National Joint Negotiating Council.
As for the time frame, we will convene the NJNC as soon as the framework is provided by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Within the next two weeks, the NJNC will have met.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) spokesperson, David Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
Right now, the concern is the restoration of the value of wages in local currency that has been lost recently due to the exchange rate madness and the resultant price increases.
At the moment there is no Zimbabwe dollar salary to speak of while the US$250 is an allowance.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Union chairperson Cecilia Alexander said it was their hope that Government would review both the local currency and forex component. Said Alexander:
<blockquote>
We also remain committed to the path of dialogue for it can only be through dialogue that we can be able to improve our conditions of service.
We are actually calling for an urgent NJNC meeting on the erosion of the local currency.
</blockquote>
Alexander said the Government should consider rising inflation in future salary reviews.
She said there was sabotage of some sort because whenever civil servants’ salaries are increased, prices of goods and services are hiked as well.
In April this year, the Government increased civil servants’ salaries by 100 percent but the increment has been eroded by runaway inflation and the depreciating Zimbabwe dollar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Review Of Civil Servants' Salaries Has Already Started - Mthuli Ncube

Civil servants have rejected the Government’s 100% salary increment offer, accusing their employer of unilateralism.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president CecIlia Alexander on Friday said no agreement was signed when Government representatives and civil servants met under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
She also accused the Public Service Commission (PSC) of insincerity. Said Alexander:
<blockquote>
ZCPSTU refused to sign the NJNC agreement because the PSC pre-empted through a circular written by the secretary who ordinarily should not have according to Statutory Instruments (SI) 141 of 1997.
</blockquote>
She claimed that some State employees (uniformed forces) got their increment in February while others only received an increment in April. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-civil-servants-reject-governments-100-increment-offer/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> quoted Alexander as saying:
<blockquote>
The effective date where other sectors got a salary increase two months earlier and other civil servants have no inflation-adjusted salary components.
</blockquote>
Early this month, the Government approved a 100% remuneration review for civil servants except for the health sector.
The adjustment included an increase of the COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250 per month across all sectors, excluding the health sector.
Teachers were awarded an US$80 teaching allowance payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate with effect from April 1, 2023. The school fees payment facility for children of teachers was scrapped.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Reject 100% Salary Increment

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has expressed outrage after the Government snubbed a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Monday, 20 March.
Apex Council representatives and officials from the Ministry of Public Service were supposed to meet on 16 March 2023 to discuss civil servants’ salaries.
The meeting was postponed to 20 March but the Government team did not show up for the meeting, a development that has angered teachers.
In a statement released on Monday, ZIMTA demanded that the government should address all teachers’ grievances before the end of this month. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This statement is an expression of great disappointment in the selective, divisive and iniquitous treatment of teachers that the government has exhibited for the first time in independent Zimbabwe. 
The government has amply demonstrated its dislike for the teaching profession, and the year 2023 goes down in history as the year of evidence of that position. 
Teachers are not only disappointed but also angry, and now prepondering on dumping the goodwill they had for the negotiations.
The 2023 season of negotiations was delayed up to late March with the promise that when negotiations start all will be set for meaningful and life-changing dialogue. 
This procrastination was tolerated with goodwill and hope but has turned out to be the greatest abuse of trust and utmost good faith. 
When the negotiations finally commenced they went on an erratic mode of fits and start and with insignificant and below-expectation awards tabled by Government.
Today, the 20th of March 2023 the negotiators went to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in anticipation of an NJNC meeting after it had been moved from last Thursday 16 March 2023 to this day, Monday 20 March 2023. 
Sadly, we must report that the meeting did not take place as the Government Team did not show up. 
It took a forced meeting to glean the situation from senior officials in the Ministry of Public Services, Labour, and Social Welfare. 
The workers’ negotiating team was advised by these officials that the Government side was seized with the matter and was busy consulting. 
The government side was said to be ready to call for the meeting once their internal consultations were through. (A response that sounds too familiar to believe).
ZIMTA, therefore, does not take lightly the government action as it views this as negotiating in bad faith, smacking of unilateralism that leans on skewed social dialogue legislation.
ZIMTA demands that the employer urgently addresses the looming crisis as its membership is already agitated and feeling disparaged by the employer.
Given that the employer paid other sectors enhanced salaries with effect from this March 2023 and that this month our membership received eroded salaries due to increased service providers’ premiums, inflation tax, etc, with some teachers taking home less than ZWL 5000.00. 
Our membership is left severely handicapped and incapacitated to report for duty.
ZIMTA, therefore, demands that in the interest of social dialogue the employer addresses this looming crisis by resolving all the outstanding demands as a matter of urgency and inside March 2023.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Express Outrage After Govt Ignores Rescheduled Salary Meeting

Public workers and the government have agreed on a new salary package but the parties still have differences that need to be ironed out.
On Friday, the government and representatives of civil servants met under the auspices of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
Speaking to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-workers-agree-on-salary-review/">New Ziana</a>, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima said the salary negotiations will continue on Thursday this week. He said:
<blockquote>
Negotiations are continuing. There are a few sticking points that can be resolved. They will sit again on Thursday to continue with the negotiations.
[However] we are not going to disclose what we offered. But the fact that they went back to the negotiating table means there was a variation. We would not go back without a variation.
</blockquote>
Secretary general of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Workers Unions, David Dzatsunga, said:
<blockquote>
The Government did come up with a substantially reviewed offer, which was a fairly reasonable response to our demands.
The offer, though it was speaking to our counteroffer, there were some sticking points of equality where we felt that all workers should be treated equally.
Within their offer, there were some measures that we felt would, in a way, divide the workers.
We are saying that the reviewed salaries should be backdated to January while the Government offer is from April 1st.
We are going to have to persuade them to backdate the offer.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are demanding US$840 for the lowest-paid worker but the government has rejected the demands citing budgetary constraints.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Mavima Speaks On Civil Servants Salary Negotiations

Civil servants reportedly rejected a US$50 salary increment offered by the Government during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting held last week Friday.
On Thursday 02 March, the government reportedly offered civil servants a 50% Zimbabwe dollar increment and a US$20 hike which was rejected.
Then on Friday, 10 March, the government offered to increase civil servants’ gross salaries in local currency from 50% to 100% and reconfigured the COVID-19 allowance and the cushion allowance from the previously offered US$220 to US$250.
Representatives of the civil servants under the Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), did not disclose the figures tabled by the government during the negotiations.
In a statement issued on Friday, ZCPSTU only said there were issues that they did not agree with during the negotiations. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
The government made several concessions on our demands, but there are outstanding issues.
As a workers’ team of negotiators, we requested the government team of negotiators to engage their principals and make further consultations about the outstanding demands.
The meeting has agreed to meet on March 16, 2023, for feedback from the government’s side.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are demanding a salary increment that would see the least-paid worker earning US$840.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Representatives To Meet Again On 16 March

Teachers on Friday rejected a 100% salary increment on their Zimbabwe dollars earnings, up from a 50% hike that had been offered the previous week.
Teachers are reportedly earning at least ZWL$36 000 and a US$120 component, plus a US$75 COVID-19 allowance, but together with the rest of the civil service, are demanding US$840 per month.
The government made the latest offer on Friday during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
On Thursday the previous week, another NJNC meeting, the first to be held in 2023, had ended in a deadlock.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008752/govt-workers-reject-us50-increment">NewsDay</a>, over the weekend, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said the government had offered to pay the salary increment starting next month, but they rejected the arrangement. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Government reviewed our gross salaries in local currency from 50% to 100% and reconfigured the COVID-19 allowance and the cushion allowance to the amalgamated civil service allowance, which moved from the previously offered US$220 to US$250.
Additionally, there is a teaching allowance of US$80 paid in local currency. This is inflation-adjusted. But we have not yet agreed on any of these figures.
The effective date was given as April 1, 2023, which we rejected and demanded that it be backdated to January.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that teachers are planning to down tools. He said:
<blockquote>
Our power is not in the boardroom, but in collective action by workers. So we are mobilising workers for a massive strike to resume on March 13, 2023, if the government fails to address our demands.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Reject 100% Salary Increment

An investigation by an online publication, The NewsHawks, has revealed the pay hike offer the government made to public sector workers at the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) meeting that was held in Harare last week.
The salary negotiations were held on the 9th-floor boardroom of the Kaguvi Building in Harare between representatives of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU).
The meeting ended in a deadlock and the negotiations were postponed to Thursday (today).
Speaking after last week’s meeting, ZCPSTU chairperson Cecilia Alexander said they agreed not to publicise the government’s offer until an agreement has been reached.
According to <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/hidden-pay-hike-offer-to-civil-servants-unmasked/">The NewsHawks</a>, the government offered: a 50% Zimdollar increment, US$20 across the board, US$50 teaching allowance converted to Zimdollars on the prevailing interbank market rate and US$30 to the rest of the public sector workers, also converted to local currency.
The civil servants’ demand through ZCPSTU was US$840 salaries, an increase on the US$540 that they have long been clamouring for.
Teachers are currently earning a minimum of ZWL$36 000 and US$120, plus US$75 COVID-19 allowance.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Pay Hike Offer Rejected By Civil Servants "Revealed"

Civil servants rejected a salary offer tabled by the government during a National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) meeting held in Harare on Thursday.
Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) chairperson Cecilia Alexander told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008230/no-joy-for-civil-servantsas-govt-tables-paltry-offer">NewsDay</a> that what the government had offered was too little and embarrassing.
She said the parties agreed not to publicise the offer until an agreement has been reached. Said Alexander:
<blockquote>
We agreed with the government not to publicise the offer in order for negotiations to proceed in good faith. We outrightly rejected the offer from the government.
What government offered as increments were too little from what we are asking. However, we agreed on further engagements.
We allowed the government to make further consultations so that it comes up with meaningful proposals at the negotiation table.
In other issues, we deliberated on the issue of school fees payment for teachers’ children, to which we agreed that both parties (government and ZCPSTU) should follow up on the matter to ensure that every eligible teacher benefits from the incentive.
</blockquote>
The NJNC will meet again on Thursday next week for further deliberations.
Under the NJNC, civil servants are demanding a salary increment that will see the least-paid worker earning US$840.
Currently, teachers are earning at least $36 000 and US$120, plus a US$75 COVID-19 allowance.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Reject Latest Government Salary Increment Offer

The first National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting for 2023 is set to be held on Thursday, 2 March 2023.
The National Joint Negotiating Council is a platform that brings together government representatives and unions representing civil servants to tackle issues to do with salaries and conditions of service for civil servants.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said:
<blockquote>
We wish to advise members of the Public Service that parties to the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) are currently finalising position papers for tabling in Council for consideration.
Accordingly, members are advised that the 2023 National Joint Negotiating Council inaugural meeting that had been pencilled for 1 March 2023 has been moved to the 2nd of March 2023.
The Government remains committed to improving the welfare and conditions of service for members of the Public Service.
This round of negotiations is in line with the Government’s commitment that a review will be done in the first quarter of 2023.
</blockquote>
Over the past few years, Civil servants have been pushing for the restoration of their salaries to pre-October 2018 levels when the lowest-paid government worker took home at least US$500.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Meet For Negotiations On Thursday

The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) will meet to review civil servants’ conditions before the end of March, a cabinet minister has said.
In an interview with State media in Zvishavane on Sunday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said the government is committed to reviewing civil servants’ conditions of service. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The National Joint Negotiating Council meeting to review the civil servant’s conditions of service will be held this quarter as the Government reaffirms its commitment to review their remuneration package.
The NJNC will meet and iron out pressing issues. We are letting everyone know that we are going to have that meeting for reviews but people have to know that whatever comes out of there will depend on what is available to the nation.
</blockquote>
He urged civil servants to be moderate in their demands.
Mavima thanked civil servants, particularly teachers, for not going on strike when schools reopened last week, saying the government understands their stance on salaries. He said:
<blockquote>
The first school term started very smoothly. Even though civil servants are saying there should be a review of their salaries, it is not an antagonistic stance that they are taking and it is understandable.
But remember in 2022, President Mnangagwa did a lot for civil servants culminating in an additional US$200 that was given to every civil servant.
At the moment we are happy with civil servants, with no strikes but they are just urging the Government to review their conditions of service.
</blockquote>
In 2022, the government awarded civil servants a 20 percent salary increment across the board backdated to 1 January.
But civil servants have consistently demanded that the government restores their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/njnc-to-review-civil-servants-conditions/">Chronicle</a>

NJNC To Review Civil Servant’s Conditions Of Service - Mavima

The government says it is experiencing financial constraints and therefore cannot afford to pay civil servants bonuses at once, and will spread the payment of the 13th cheque over two months, that is, November and December.
This came out during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting held on Monday, 7 November 2022, in Harare.
The NJNC brings together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
During yesterday’s NJNC meeting, the government said it would pay all employees 50% of their bonuses this month, while the balance would be paid next month.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Unions president Cecilia Alexander said it was agreed that all civil servants from the deputy director level and below would receive their bonuses unconditionally. She said:
<blockquote>
The workers’ side representatives met with the government on the 7th of November 2022 to deliberate on quite a number of issues, chief among them is the payment modalities of 2022 annual bonuses.
The meeting agreed that all civil servants from deputy director grade and below will receive their bonuses unconditionally.
The bonuses will be accorded in two tranches starting from November to December across the board.
Fifty percent of the annual bonus will be paid per the said months plus the usual earnings.
</blockquote>
Alexander said outstanding fees for teachers’ children would also be paid in batches for all terms in December through the Salary Service Bureau. She added:
<blockquote>
On performance advancement, all members will be rightfully placed in their grades in January 2023, while the arrears will be worked upon thereafter.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe, said while the government should be commended for paying bonuses unconditionally, it was disheartening that teachers were paid far less compared to other civil servants. Said Majongwe:
<blockquote>
We applaud the government’s first step to treat all workers unconditionally. However, we continue imploring the employer to do likewise on salary earnings.
We are not happy with the current salary discrepancies that have seen teachers earning less than the rest of the civil servants when we are working for the same employer.
</blockquote>
Nurses and soldiers earn significantly higher salaries than police officers and teachers, which has been a bone of contention for the latter. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003218/govt-to-spread-bonus-payment">NewsDay</a>

Govt To Spread Bonus Payment Across November And December

The government on Monday reversed its controversial plan to pay performance-based bonuses to some civil servants.
In the past, the government had paid a uniform 13th cheque to public sector workers but recently announced that only deserving workers will get a bonus.
A National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting was held today where public sector union representatives pressed the government to scrap its plan to award bonuses based on performance.
Cecilia Alexander, the president of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), told reporters:
<blockquote>
The workers’ side representatives met the government to deliberate on quite a number of issues, chief among them the payment modalities of the 2022 annual bonus.
The meeting resolved that all civil servants from deputy director grade and below will receive their bonuses unconditionally.
</blockquote>
She said the government cited cash-flow challenges and as a result agreed to pay the bonus over two months, with half of the bonus payment set to be effected alongside November salaries, and the other in December.
Alexander also said the government committed to paying outstanding school fees for teachers’ children in December.
The government also said it would place civil servants in their proper grades starting in January 2023, said Alexander. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/11/performance-based-bonus-scraped-for-civil-servants-after-outcry/">ZimLive</a>

Govt Scraps Performance-based Bonus For Junior Civil Servants

The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) is scheduled to meet on Monday morning with the issue of modalities for the payment of the 2022 bonus on the agenda.
The NJNC brings together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
A letter dated 7 November 2022, addressed to Apex Council chairperson, Cecilia Alexander, by the NJNC chairman, reads in part:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) invites members to an NJNC meeting to be held on 07 November 2022 at 1100hrs in the 9th Floor Boardroom, Kaguvi Building.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said that civil servants will start receiving the 13th cheque this month.
He, however, said some top civil servants, that is, heads of Government departments who signed performance contracts will not receive their bonuses if they fail to meet their targets.
Civil servants are demanding an unconditional 13th cheque and a living wage.

Govt, Civil Servants' Unions Meet This Monday

Civil servants have rejected a US$25 increment offered by the government and are instead pushing for more.
The government recently offered a US$25 increment to public sector employees to give a total of US$200 during the last National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
However, Apex Council secretary David Dzatsunga told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/civil-servants-want-njnc-disbanded/">Business Times</a> that the NJNC should be disbanded and replaced with a body that allows genuine dialogue. Said Dzatsunga:
<blockquote>
The government offered a US$25 without workers’ consultation and the workers have rejected that amount describing the increment as too little.
Dialogue is still ongoing as we are still expecting the government representatives.
The government is promising to pay US$200 in October but it has not attended to the ZWL component which has remained static.
The medical aid covers, funeral policies and other levies have increased in ZWL$ at a time the local currency remained static and this has left the amount eroded.
If they had been on CBC [Collective Bargaining Chamber] we would have negotiated for the increase of both components but because it is NJNC the government has the upper hand and is dictating the pace.
</blockquote>
Dzatsunga said wages in local currency remained static while the RTGS has depreciated and needs an urgent increment.
Meanwhile, the lowest-paid civil servant is getting ZWL$36 000 per month.
Government workers are demanding a pre-October 2018 salary level of US$540 a month.
This comes as the country’s cost of living for a family of six rose by 263% to ZWL$274 858.75 in the month of August from ZWL$75 757.62 in January.

Civil Servants Push For Zimbabwe Dollar Salary Hike

Civil servants want the government to speed up the disbandment of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The representatives of civil servants accuse the government of manipulating the platform to its advantage while neglecting the interests of workers.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/civil-servants-want-njnc-disbanded/">Business Times</a>, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) secretary David Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the social dialogue framework, we should move away from NJNC which is a consultative forum to a Collective Bargaining Chamber where we meet as equals.
Under NJNC, the government representatives say they are going to consult but they will just disappear into thin air and the next day you just see an amount which you have not discussed.
</blockquote>
Recently, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima revealed that the government was replacing the NJNC with the Collective Bargaining Chamber (CBC). He said:
<blockquote>
We are in the process of creating a CBC to replace the NJNC. I, therefore, call upon you all to give your views on this exciting development and to ensure that you contribute meaningfully to this process.
</blockquote>
However, the Collective Bargaining Chamber is yet to materialise.
Some unions representing civil servants have accused the government of hand-picking “friendly” unions to attend NJNC.

Civil Servants Want NJNC Disbanded

Teachers have grudgingly welcomed the upward review of public sector workers’ USD allowances to US$200 from US$175.
The new salary regime was tabled on Tuesday during a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The government also pledged to continue paying the annual bonus, a 13th cheque, in foreign currency as was done last year but the full details of that payment are yet to be revealed.
Secretary-General of the Association of School Heads Munyaradzi Majoni said they welcomed the increment but they want teachers’ salaries and allowances to be at par with the rest of the civil service. He said:
<blockquote>
Any increment is welcome though we are still lagging behind when compared to other Government departments.
Education is paid five times less than nurses and other civil servants.
Our allowances are too low and the allowances should be the same for all civil servants But we welcome the increment.
</blockquote>
The chairperson of the National Association of Primary Schools, Cynthia Khumalo, said the increment is better than nothing. She said:
<blockquote>
We appreciate the increment but we want the authorities to look further into the issue because 25 per cent will not change anything. It is difficult to accept but at least the increment is better than nothing.
We want the money to be reviewed to US$540 because we once earned that money sometime back during the dollarisation era.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
The money is not adequate or to our expectations. When the minister promised us an increment, we had higher expectations.
We want social dialogue to prevail so that we can address our concerns to the Government.
</blockquote>
The outcome of Tuesday’s NJNC meeting was confirmed by Apex Council chairperson Cecelia Alexander. She said:
<blockquote>
The employer offered an increase of 25 per cent on the USD$100 to make it US$125 and maintained the USD$75 COVID-19 allowance to make the total US dollar package US$200 with effect from September 1, 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the Zimbabwe dollar salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail.
In the end, the Government side asked for time out to consult.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/civil-servants-welcome-usd-pay-increase/">The Herald</a>

"Teachers Paid Five Times Less Than Other Civil Servants"

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has scoffed at the US$25 increment to public sector workers’ allowances by the government, describing it as too little.
On Tuesday, the government and public sector unions met under the National Joint Negotiating Forum where the new offer was tabled. 
Posting on Twitter on Tuesday, PTUZ said the paltry increment will lead to industrial action by teachers. It said:
<blockquote>
The govt, as usual, thinks it’s all a joke. An increment of only $25 when service providers have already wiped out more than that, really?
It would seem that govt is pushing teachers towards real action. It’s a dog’s breakfast.
</blockquote>
In a letter updating public sector workers on Tuesday on the outcome of the NJNC, Apex Council chairperson Cecelia Alexander said the wage increase is with effect from 1 September 2022. She wrote:
<blockquote>
The employer offered an increase of 25 % on the USD100 to make USD125 and maintained the USD75 Covid allowances to make the total USD package USD200 with effect from the 1st of September 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented.
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the ZWL salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail.
In the end, the government side asked for time out to consult.
</blockquote>

Teachers Union Say US$25 Pay Rise Is "A Joke"

The government has increased USD allowances for civil servants by 25% from the current US$175 to US$200 with effect from 1 September 2022. However, there has been no increment in civil servants’ Zimbabwe dollar salaries.
The government and civil servants representatives met on Tuesday, 20 September 2022 under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) to deliberate on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
In a statement issued after the NJNCmeeting, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), Cecilia Alexander, said the parties deliberated on the cost of living adjustment (COLA), Sector Specific Allowances and Performance Awards, and the 2022 Bonus. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
To All Public Sector Workers
RE: NJNC Update The NJNC meeting today deliberated on the following conditions of service matters:
<ul>
<li>COLA</li>
<li>Sector Specific Allowances and Performance Awards</li>
<li>2022 Bonus</li>
</ul>
<h2>COLA</h2>
The employer offered an increase of 25% on the USD100 to make it 125USD and maintained the USD75 Covid allowance to make the total USD package USD 200 with effect from the 1st of September 2022.
The workers acknowledged the increase but chose to wait for specific modalities on how this is going to be implemented.
The employer did not offer or table any increase on the ZWL salary and the workers demanded that this be also reviewed without fail. In the end, the government side asked for time out to consult. Sector
<h2>Specific Allowances</h2>
The workers advised the employer to resuscitate already agreed sector-specific allowances so as to bring all government workers to the same level to which the government committed to speedily work on the implementation modalities.
On the school fees assistance for teachers, the government indicated that they had faced challenges again with payment modalities, but it was acknowledged by both parties that most of the bottlenecks have now been addressed.
The workers then felt that the ZWL20 000 per child was no longer enough given the latest school fees increase and that government should consider indexing the figure to USD50 value.
<h2>2022 Bonus</h2>
Government committed to paying the 2022 bonus in USD but did not provide any figures and again asked for time to consult on the payment details and the total offer thereof.
<h2>Adjournment</h2>
The parties agreed to adjourn the meeting to allow for the government side to consult with their principals and to reconvene in the shortest time possible, possibly within the week to finalise on the aforementioned outstanding issues.
</blockquote>

Govt Increases USD Allowances For Civil Servants

The government has reportedly decided to revive the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) after civil servants threatened to go on strike on 26 September 2022.
The NJNC brought together the government and unions representing civil servants for negotiations on the latter’s salaries and conditions of service.
In July this year, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/civil-servants-quit-national-joint-negotiating-council/">the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) advised the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima, that they had quit the NJNC.</a>
Meanwhile, in a letter dated 19 September 2022 and addressed to the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), Cecilia Alexander, one S Tarupuwa, writing on behalf of the NJNC chairman, invited civil servants’ leaders to a meeting this Tuesday.
The letter, which was copied to Mavima and the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, read in part:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) invites members to an NJNC meeting to be held on 20 September 2022 at 1130hrs in the 9th Floor Boardroom, Kaguvi Building.
</blockquote>
The matters on the agenda included the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the 2023 Annual Bonuses.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said instead of trying to revive NJNC, the government should simply fulfil the September salary review pledge or face the wrath of the workers on 26 September.

Govt In Bid To Revive National Joint Negotiating Council

The government said that it will fairly soon convene the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) to find common ground on how to deal with current crises afflicting ordinary citizens.
This was said by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Sekai Nzenza while responding to questions by reporters on what the government was doing to address price increases and the ensuing loss of purchasing power of the general citizenry. She said:
<blockquote>On prices and role of TNF, I am pleased to have that question because, quite seriously the prices are hurting, especially the most vulnerable in our society.
However, the legislation of the TNF has enabled us to create a social platform whereby the voices of labour, employer and Government can be heard within the TNF.
So this platform is to discuss the social-economic issues affecting the country. We shall be meeting fairly soon to come up with a clear position on how we can reach a resolution that can enable a better situation for those most affected by the current situation.
There is also a National Joint Negotiating Council which brings together Government and Apex council; we agreed that this month there will be a 50 per cent cushioning allowance of the current salary for the civil servant.
The lowest-paid worker will get $400 as the cushioning allowance.
However, negotiations will continue. As of August 1, we shall be looking once again at coming up with an equitable understanding and it is all subject to negotiations.
Through this platform, we will be able to discuss the social-economic situation without having to go out in the street that is unlikely going to happen because we now have a social platform for dialogue.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/supplementary-budget-next-week/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Negotiations Over Civil Servants' Salaries To Continue - Minister Nzenza

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has hit back at the Public Service Commission (PSC) after its request for a meeting was snubbed. PTUZ secretary general Raymond Majongwe had this to say:
<blockquote>We got this letter from the PSC reiterating that we cannot engage them outside the NJNC. This shows government can’t even understand their own laws. The Act and SI 45 of 1998 are clear we can engage the government without the romantic Apex Council.</blockquote>
Below is the letter addressed to PTUZ by the PSC:
<blockquote>The Commission hereby acknowledges receipt of your minute dated 29 April 2019 contents of which have been noted.
Kindly be advised that any issues to deal with conditions of service for any member of the civil service should be directed to the legally established institution of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC). The issues will then be deliberated on at this platform.</blockquote>
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