By A Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s civil servants are facing frustration as the government has pointed out that their 2024 annual bonuses will be paid in staggered installments.
This decision comes amid ongoing economic challenges and dissatisfaction among workers who rely heavily on these payments.
The first installment, constituting 50 percent of the total bonus, will be paid alongside November salaries, while the remaining half is scheduled for disbursement in December.
The payment process will prioritize those in the security services, followed by workers in the health sector, education, and eventually the broader civil service.
Cecilia Alexander, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, confirmed the staggered payment plan in an interview with The Sunday Mail.
She stated, “According to our agreement with the employer, the bonus will be paid in two instalments. The first 50 percent will come with the November salary and the remainder will be paid in December.”
The decision to stagger the bonuses follows a recent adjustment of civil servants’ salaries, where the government increased the local currency portion by the equivalent of US$40.
This adjustment comes in the wake of a significant 43 percent devaluation of the ZiG currency by the central bank, which has left many civil servants struggling to make ends meet.
Despite the government’s assurances, many civil servants have expressed their frustration over the delayed payments.
The staggered approach not only disrupts financial planning but also contributes to the ongoing sense of insecurity among workers who are already facing high inflation and rising costs of living.
The situation has raised questions about the government’s commitment to timely compensation for its employees.
As one frustrated civil servant remarked, “We were hoping for a single, comprehensive bonus payment, especially after the currency devaluation. This staggered approach just adds to our worries.”
Additionally, traditional leaders and their messengers will also receive annual bonuses, highlighting the disparity in payment prioritization that some civil servants have noted.
The staggered bonus payments could further exacerbate tensions within the workforce, as employees compare their situations to those of other sectors.
As the government moves forward with its plans, it remains to be seen how this approach will impact morale within the civil service and whether further negotiations will be necessary to address these growing concerns.