Civil servants petition Mugabe as strike looms

The civil servants representative board, The Apex Council has written a letter of appeal to President Robert Mugabe, asking for his intervention to ensure their salaries are reviewed this July.

The letter, which is dated 24 April 2012, is said to have been handed to President Mugabe last week.

In the letter, the Apex Council calls for the President's intervention in ensuring that their salaries are reviewed this July.

In a telephone interview, Apex Council Chairperson, Mrs Tendai Chikowore noted that they have decided to involve the President after realising that the concerned stakeholders were not forthcoming in solving the long standing dispute.

"We need our basic salary as well as the rural allowance to be reviewed. We do not need to engage in another strike for our concerns to be addressed," said Mrs Chikowore.

One of the negotiators, Teachers Association of Zimbabwe CEO, Mr Manuel Nyawo said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai had promised to urgently come back to them after a meeting held in February but nothing has been heard since.

Mr Nyawo added that the Premier never even mentioned the subject during this year's May Day commemorations.

"We are not happy with what Mr Tsvangirai used us, he should fulfill his promises and at least show somehow that he is committed in ensuring that our welfare is improved," said Mr Nyawo.

In February, civil servants held a series of meetings with their employer which only resulted in the review of allowances.

With the responsible Minister, Ms Lucia Matibenga displaying arrogance, the government workers turned to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

The three hour meeting at the Premier's Strathaven home in February again yielded nothing.

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