Govt Hints At Pay Increase For Teachers, Tries To Pre-empt Teachers Strike

The government has hinted at a salary hike for teachers, although negotiations with the unions representing teachers are still ongoing. The teachers are threatening to go on strike when schools open on Tuesday. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima said,

I am not taking a proactive role in the issue, you have to talk to Minister (of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Simbarashe) Mubengegwi for further clarity. However, I can say we met with the Elders and paved a way forward with the issue. We are happy with the progress made so far in addressing the concerns to avert the intended strike.

Teachers wanted a 100 percent salary increment. However considering the budget, it is already strained, we cannot afford to address all the demands to be paid in cash. Thus we have suggested to accommodate their demands in both cash and kind terms. We will also look at specific allowances and make adjustments on vacation leave issue.

In addition, interested teachers will be offered accommodation under the Command programme; and in terms of allowances, Government will make appropriate offers to meet their demand.

Cecilia Alexander president of the Apex Council, the umbrella body for civil servants’ representatives said,

We are informing all civil servants that negotiations with Government are still underway and we will be meeting Government on Monday 7 May 2018. We are anticipating to get positive response from the concerns which have not been addressed for a long time. This is feedback to civil servants in general hat negotiations are still underway and that they should expect some feedback on Monday. The Apex Council has not called for a strike.

More: Sunday Mail, Image Credit: Reagan Mashavave