Compromise needed in bonus negotiations

EDITOR — We seem to be developing a worrying culture of people who enjoy holding the country to ransom.

It started with the Warriors when they refused to meet Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa before they left demanding money.

Now it seems the torch has been passed to those representing civil servants who seem to be rejecting solutions provided by the Government on the bonus issue.

Seemingly, the people who met with the Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa and RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya are not keen on accepting the three proposals brought forward.

Remarks by Raymond Majongwe, who was representing unions, show that they already had a standpoint even before the dialogue.

Their rigid demands are unsustainable for the Government considering the fiscal position the country is in.

Payment is likely not to be in cash, regardless of how infuriated they may become.

In all honesty, civil servants need to accept investment bonds as they offer potentially higher returns in the long run.

Some of these unionists are being used by the opposition to try and create confusion by rejecting all Government proposals to solve the bonus issue.

What they need to know is that the country has other pressing matters that need attention and delaying progress through unsustainable demands is retrogressive.

Another option that Government can explore is to add reasonable amounts to the civil service remuneration spread throughout the year. For instance, if one is supposed to get a $600 bonus payout, they can get an extra $50 on their salary for the coming 12 months.

This will ease pressure on Treasury, at the same time appeasing the public workforce.

Quite honestly, it will not help trying to negotiate with people who do not want to listen.

Unionists should come with intent to reach a compromise or stay away from discussions aimed at bringing progress. Farai Ndlovu, Chegutu.