The government of Zimbabwe yesterday said it had not yet ruled out the possibility of paying civil servants’ salaries in United States dollars citing the current US$175 incentive as evidence of its willingness to meet workers’ demands.
“As you know, the government is offering US$175. So on that part, we have already shown we are willing to make sure that part of the salaries is in United States dollars, but as to the recent request from civil servants, all those things are under consideration, under discussion.”Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said.
Ncube said following a protest by nurses and teachers yesterday demanding United States dollar salaries and improved working conditions.
Meanwhile, Civil servants have rejected a 100% government wage increase with effect from July 1 and they responded with a strike that started on Monday.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions secretary-general David Dzatsunga said they would not accept the 100% salary increment.
“We want US$840. All civil servants are with you in this struggle,” Dzatsunga said.
At Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, nurses and doctors gathered outside, with police observing them from a distance. Reports said health workers and educators in other cities also did not report for duty.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo said other civil servants had now joined them in solidarity.
