Uncertainty ahead of schools opening day

There is uncertainty ahead of schools opening day tomorrow as government workers, among them teachers, have threatened to down tools citing several grievances.

The Apex Council, an umbrella body representing civil servants, says its members are aggrieved, adding that if government continues to shun social dialogue, continues to unilaterally shift pay dates, among other sticky issues, then all civil servants will down tools.

However, there is no consensus within the Apex Council.

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), which constitutes the largest number of teachers appears to be singing a different tune and is opposed to the idea of taking industrial action.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) however says it fully supports the position of the Apex Council and accuses its sister union, ZIMTA of backtracking.

Last week, government acknowledged it is willing to address civil servants' concerns but admitted treasury is experiencing cash flow challenges hence the staggering of bonuses and the shifting of pay dates.

Government's major source of income comes through the remittance of taxes.

With several companies having closed operations while many others are performing poorly, revenue inflows to government have become erratic.