Civil servants have criticised the government’s decision to pay the annual bonuses based on workers’ performances with some saying the government is looking for a scapegoat to withhold their 13th cheque.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has since issued a circular to line ministries stating that future end-of-year bonuses will be performance-based – starting this year.
Zimbabwe’s 350 000 civil servants have been paid a blanket end-of-year bonus all along.
Unions have, however, protested, saying this was targeted at their members for going on strike to demand better salaries.
Earlier this year, the government introduced a “no-work no-pay” policy after civil servants downed tools protesting poor salaries and working conditions.
A number of teachers were also suspended.
Government workers have been engaged in periodic protests to demand the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries which were around US$540.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said public workers deserved the 13th cheque.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and ensure all State workers receive bonuses. He told NewsDay:
It is not fair for government to come at the 11th hour and make decisions that affect its workers. We are expecting those bonuses next month but government has decided otherwise.
Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary-general Douglas Chikobvu concurred with Dongo’s remarks adding:
We strongly feel that the government might be trying to get a scapegoat to undercharge us and avoid paying our bonuses decently. Above all, there is nothing to smile at given that most workers are wallowing in abject poverty courtesy of the government measly wage.
Organising secretary for Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, Farai Chinosengwa said the policy might trigger sexual harassment at workplaces where women will be abused to get favourable performance appraisal reports.