The Zimbabwean government has increased salaries of state workers from US$100 a month across the board to US$155 to US$200 a month depending on an employee's grade level, promising the new rates would be reflected in bank deposits early next week.
Public Service Minister Eliphas Mukonoweshuro said those pay levels were the best the state could do given its straitened economic circumstances. Unions representing teachers and other public workers have demanded a minimum of US$454 a month.
Mukonoweshuro told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the government will keep raising public salaries as more funds become available.
Public Service Association Executive Secretary Emmanuel Tichareva said his organization appreciates the government gesture – but urged that public utility rates be slashed in the meantime to reflect low compensation and ease the burden on state workers.
