PUBLIC SECTOR workers will begin receiving their 2024 annual bonuses on Friday next week, with the first instalment of 50 percent being paid together with November salaries and the remainder being paid in December.
The split is meant to ease pressure on the banking system and minimise long queues.
Payments will start with workers in security services, followed by health sector employees, those in education and the rest of the civil service.
As was the case last year, traditional leaders and their messengers will also receive annual bonuses.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Simon Masanga said the Government has already effected a salary increase agreed upon with public sector workers to cushion them from the recent devaluation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.
“A salary agreement was signed and the cost-of-living adjustment has been paid with arrears. The specific payment modalities are managed under Treasury,” said Mr Masanga.
Traditionally, civil servants receive their bonuses in November and December.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander said workers welcome the Government’s decision to pay this year’s bonus.
“According to our agreement with the employer, the bonus will be paid in two instalments,” she said. “The first 50 percent will come with the November salary and the remainder will be paid in December. I understand the paysheets (for the bonuses) were finalised yesterday (Thursday).”
The Government and its workers have been negotiating through the National Joint Negotiating Council, the platform for discussing public sector conditions of service, leading to an upward review of workers’ salaries in the local currency to maintain their purchasing power amid recent currency devaluation.
Last month, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced a salary increase for public sector workers in response to the recent 42 percent devaluation of ZiG to ensure their earnings better reflect the current economic conditions.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube
The Government, which made an undertaking to improve the conditions of service of public sector workers subject to the availability of resources, has over the years unveiled various incentives that include affordable transport, housing and a rebate on duty on motor vehicles.
Relations between the Government and civil servants have also markedly improved owing to the commitment and preparedness by both parties to engage in dialogue.
