Own Correspondent|Civil servants who have been threatening to bring government service to a halt by engaging a potentiality crippling industrial action have developed colds feet on their threats.
The Government workers had issued a 14-day strike notice which lapsed on Thursday, but they have discarded it after government forced payments of a 22.7% once off payment into the workers’ accounts as from Friday.
The workers representatives yesterday ruled out the strike, saying they have decided to extend negotiations with the employer.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa offered the allowance , which covers the period January to March, claiming that it was a way of cushioning the civil servants from current challenges in the economy. He claimed that the offer has nothing to do with negotiations currently underway.
Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecelia Alexander said they would meet Government early next week. “Government has invited us to a meeting early next week,” she said.
“We have to sit down and map the way forward.
“There is no law that says we should immediately go on strike when the notice lapses. We, as Apex Council, have not yet declared a strike. Industrial action is declared, but for now we are dialoguing.”
Mrs Alexander said as workers, they expected Government to have improved on its offer of $300 million.
Government last week raised its salary offer to civil servants from $160 million announced early this month to $300 million.
The $300 million is to be shared by workers in the civil service as an increment from April to December this year.
“We hope in the Monday meeting they will be giving us a positive feedback,” said Mrs Alexander.
Apex Council secretary Mr David Dzatsunga yesterday confirmed cushioning allowances for the civil servants had started trickling in.
“Some of our members have started receiving their allowances and we appreciate the gesture as we wait for the salary negotiations to complete,” he said.
The workers are demanding a $1 733 salary for the least paid worker, up from $414 inclusive of allowances.