Teachers threaten strike

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) is threatening a strike over last year's bonus saying the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare must not stretch the patience of workers.

ZIMTA, in a statement said unpaid bonuses will trigger industrial dishamorny and conflicts which are likely to disrupt the smooth delivery of services.

"The minister's statements are misleading in that she had previously issued a statement to postpone a meeting between Government and the union which was scheduled for 20 February this year, citing other commitments which have since turned out to be a subversion of the process of social dialogue," reads the statement.

The union of teachers said the Minister is clearly disrespecting the principles of utmost good faith in the social dialogue processes.

ZIMTA said they read with disgust the statement where the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Prisca Mupfumira said Government's decision on bonuses would be informed by the Civil Service Commission's findings.

"For the avoidance of doubt to all concerned, ZIMTA, as the largest teacher trade union in Zimbabwe wants to categorically state that it has sufficiently consulted its membership dotted in all corners of Zimbabwe.

"And has been appropriately advised to demand for the payment of 2016 bonus in cash," read the statement.

ZIMTA said they want Government to quickly employ the provisions of the Zimbabwean Constitution by transforming the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) into a Collective Bargaining Chamber without any further delays.

In 2015, the Government did not make bonus payments for its civil servants as the economy was hard hit by liquidity challenges and companies closing down.