The government said that it will fairly soon convene the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) to find common ground on how to deal with current crises afflicting ordinary citizens.
This was said by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Sekai Nzenza while responding to questions by reporters on what the government was doing to address price increases and the ensuing loss of purchasing power of the general citizenry. She said:
On prices and role of TNF, I am pleased to have that question because, quite seriously the prices are hurting, especially the most vulnerable in our society.
However, the legislation of the TNF has enabled us to create a social platform whereby the voices of labour, employer and Government can be heard within the TNF.
So this platform is to discuss the social-economic issues affecting the country. We shall be meeting fairly soon to come up with a clear position on how we can reach a resolution that can enable a better situation for those most affected by the current situation.
There is also a National Joint Negotiating Council which brings together Government and Apex council; we agreed that this month there will be a 50 per cent cushioning allowance of the current salary for the civil servant.
The lowest-paid worker will get $400 as the cushioning allowance.
However, negotiations will continue. As of August 1, we shall be looking once again at coming up with an equitable understanding and it is all subject to negotiations.
Through this platform, we will be able to discuss the social-economic situation without having to go out in the street that is unlikely going to happen because we now have a social platform for dialogue.