GOVERNMENT will this week pay civil servants an additional Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) allowance, while salary negotiations continue.

Apex Council deputy chairperson Mr David Dzatsunga said the move by Government shows that authorities are committed to addressing the plight of public sector workers.

“We are yet to make a collective statement on Government’s offer, so we are meeting next week,” he said.

“However, the offer shows that Government is aware that our salaries are inadequate, it is an admission on their part. So it’s a good starting point and a step in the right direction. But we need to get back to our members so as to deliberate on the latest offer and also wait for the negotiations to resume.”

Last week, some teachers’ unions threatened to go on strike ahead of the reopening of schools tomorrow, but the latest COLA adjustment was likely to put paid to any job boycott.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) secretary-general, Mr Tapson Sibanda, said they were ready for negotiations.

“At the moment we do not know the exact amount. However, once Government reveals the amount we will be able to make a decision,” he said.

-State Media