Paul Nyathi

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima says that teachers’ unions are not being realistic in their engagements with the Government over salaries.

In an engagement with the teachers unions in Harare on Monday, Mavima said that the teachers must take into consideration the present economic challenges faced by the goverment while making their demands.

Teachers have not reported for duty since examination classes reopened on September 28.

Teacher representatives are calling for a minimum salary of US$520 or the equivalent at the auction rate while Government has indicated that it would be unable to pay in US dollars given that it has reintroduced the local currency.

“They have raised their concerns and we are taking these concerns to the President and Cabinet. We have heard their concerns, but we also appealed to them to be realistic in their concerns and consider the economic conditions prevailing in the country.

“The salary negotiations between the Government and the National Joint Negotiating Council are ongoing. But Government decided to cushion its workers, while waiting for these negotiations to be finalised and the appeal to civil servants is to be patient while waiting for the outcome,” said Professor Mavima.

Last week, Treasury paid a 40 percent cost of living salary adjustment to cushion civil servants, while waiting for the completion of negotiations with unions over pay and other employment terms.

Government has also committed to continue paying the temporary US$75 monthly Covid-19 allowances that it promised to all its workers for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.