Harare(New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa was due to meet representatives of labour unions on Monday to help iron out pay and worker welfare-related issues which came to the fore last week.

Teachers’ unions last week advised their members to withdraw their labour until government met their demands for an average US$540 salary, a figure the authorities have said was not affordable.

It, however, awarded civil servants a 20 percent salary increment last week, backdated to January, and part pay of US$100 with effect from next month.

Other perks awarded were housing, transport and school-fees assistance, particularly for teachers.

The offer received mixed reaction from the labour unions, with the majority applauding it as a good gesture by the employer.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima invited labour union leaders to Monday’s meeting with President Mnangagwa, to further discuss pay and worker welfare issues directly at the highest level of government.

“Following our earlier discussions on Labour’s request to meet with the President, I am pleased to invite two of your representatives to a meeting with His Excellence the President, E.D Mnangagwa on Monday 14 February 2022 at State House, at 1500 hours,” he wrote in his invitation letter.

“Please kindly send to us, the areas that you wish to be included on the agenda, to enable us to adequately prepare for the meeting.”

New Ziana