Zimbabwe Government Settles on Paying Civil Servants

Zimbabwe government has been undergoing an Economic crisis. This economic situation has prolonged for a very long time. The country has been striving to implement the utility of a single currency owing to the hyperinflation of the previous years. Poor implementation of strategies and sanctions from the United States has majorly been contributing to the decline of Zimbabwe’s economy. In the past, Zimbabwe was using the multi-currency system which comprised of South Africa rand (ZAR) and US Dollars ($) and others. The country has been experiencing low rainfall, majorly affecting the agriculture sector. Food insecurity has been on the rise and about 8 million people experiencing hunger following prolonged droughts in the previous year.

ZIMBABWE’S CIVIL SERVANTS CRY FOR CHANGE

The results of this being continuous strikes and demonstrations from civil servants for more pay. The government of Zimbabwe kept receiving threats of down tools, failure to adhering to their demands. Due to the continuous increase in prices of goods and services over the past months, there has been a rising tension between workers and employers in the different economic sectors.

The government could not afford to hasten to their plea. Therefore, they had to do it gradually. Adjustments followed in the next months. Ncube urged employers from the private sector to regulate wages. However, it should be in a way that is favourable to workers but does not expose the organization/ company to bankruptcy.

ZIMBABWE’S GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION

The Government doubled the salaries and especially for the lowest-paying jobs. It ranged from 750 Zimbabwe dollars to 2,033 Zimbabwe dollars ($123.68) a month. In addition, a special allowance of 750 Zimbabwe dollars. However, the workers reject the offer despite the rise saying it is not enough to cushion them against high prices.

The decision made on Monday after the meeting was held was unexpected. From 14 January 2020, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the government decided to start paying civil servants an allowance. This allowance was aiming to support them through the crisis.

“Cushion allowance” was the statement of the ministry. Just as the name implies, it helps to “cushion or shield the members of Public Service from the harsh economic phase.

The approval of this decision by the Public Service Commission, through the guidance of the country’s 2020 budget and the capacity of the economy.

The beneficiaries of the allowances classified into six ranks from A-F. The highest earners in the ranks being the E group with 800 (ZWL$) Zimbabwe Dollars. Secondly, the D with 780 ZWL$ and C with 770 ZWL$. Next with B with 760 ZWL$ and A with 750 ZWL$. In conclusion, the E rank with the lowest-earning set at 400 ZWL$.

The government is informed adequately of the challenges the Zimbabwe economy is facing. Most importantly, it remains devoted to improving the welfare of all civil servants. This statement vouched by the fact that The Civil Servants play a crucial role in providing public services. The pay dates will immediately be effective from January 14, 2020.