UNION BEMOANS LOW SALARY INCREMENT
GOVERNMENT should consider improving salaries for civil servants saying the 4% increment is not enough, Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) President Davy Chiyobe has said.
Speaking during the second Muchinga Province Provincial conference of Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) taking place at Crumach Lodge, Mr Chiyobe said government should be aware that the cost of living is high not just in Zambia but also in other countries.
Mr Chiyobe said there is also need to consider paying civil servants their outstanding allowances and bonuses such as leave and settling in, among others.
Mr. Chiyobe has also appealed to the Government to allow a skeleton staff to be reporting while others operate from home.
He said with the surge in the Covid-19 cases in the country and increased deaths recorded, there is need to look at the Statutory Instruments number 20 and 21 of 2020 and ensure that they are strictly enforced in order to stem the Covid pandemic.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Joyce Nsamba has appealed to unions and civil servants to be mindful of the Government’s constraints in the area of revenue.
Ms Nsamba said unions should also understand why the government gave a minimal salary increment.
The Permanent Secretary also said the culture of dialogue and constructive engagement assumes even greater significance in public sector industrial relations because a harmonious relationship between government and the public sector unions will foster the right environment for National advancement.
Ms Nsamba added that the PF Government recognises true representative of workers’ organisations as important partners in development.
And outgoing Muchinga Provincial CSAWUZ Chairperson Jonathan Mukuka said it is unfortunate that in the Province some of the payments have been outstanding for more than ten (10) years.
Mr Mukuka also added that the union believes in a strong and responsible trades union that is able to protect and represent the interests of the workers efficiently and effectively.