Paul Nyathi|Government and representatives of civil servants have scheduled an urgent meeting for Monday on negotiations over conditions of service and bonus payments this after revelations that the government workers have issued the employer with a threat for a massive job action.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza confirmed that the meeting will take place indicating that consultations on bonus payments with the Apex Council have not yet taken place.

Government last week released pay day dates for its employees for the period up to December but there was no indication of when the bonus will be paid if any at all. Of

Nzenza expressed concern over the rising cost of living, which is militating against Government efforts to cushion its workers.

“Once a figure has been agreed upon, we then seek Treasury concurrence. The price hikes continue to affect buying power. I am hoping that the bonuses will help ease the burden of rising costs, especially of basic commodities,” she said.

Apex Council secretary Mr David Dzatsunga said while the bonus issue was important, what was urgent was the need for a salary review.

“We are meeting on Monday and the main focus at the moment is on salary review. We have already given Government our position on salaries, which is to say we want our salaries pegged at the October 2018 level of US$400.