Bonus ban a war declaration, Majongwe

via Bonus ban a war declaration, Majongwe – NewZimbabwe 14 April 2015

REPRESENTATIVES of civil servants have lashed out at government for “prematurely” announcing a policy statement which impacts the welfare of its workers without consulting them.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe, said the decision to suspend payment of bonuses to government workers is illegal.

“Comrades the government has unilaterally announced that there will be no bonus in 2015 and 2016,” he said.

“It is clear that government made this announcement to the nation without consultation with all its employees.

“It is also clear that government has conceded that they will not be able to turn around the fortunes of the country in the next 24 months.”

The trade unionist said the government’s decision to scrap bonuses is a declaration of war and the government must brace itself for demonstrations and crippling strikes.

“To us this is nothing but an open attack and a declaration of war against the workers of Zimbabwe.

“We must join forces and say NO!! Government must look for money even if they are to borrow it from Satan, we don’t care,” Majongwe said.

In announcing the decision to scrap the bonuses, the Finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa said he was failing to meet the government’s financial demands a due to shrinking revenue base.

Election gimmick

But Majongwe said government was trying to be political by announcing that bonuses are likely to be paid in 2017 as the country prepares to go for general elections.

“We know for a fact government pays close to 80,000 ghost workers for doing nothing,” he said.

“We also know that government pretends not to know where these masquerades are located as evidenced by the smoke screen audit carried out recently.

“If government has no money where are they getting the $20 million to conduct the 10 June By-elections?

“If government has no money where are they getting money to buy all Chiefs and Headman new motor vehicles?

If government has no money how come government expenditure on (state) pomp and funfair has not diminished?”

He continued: “It is very sad that government has decided to lead by example and empower all oppressive employers to deny the private sector workers, bonuses, salary increments and all other benefits (surely all Nigerian, Chinese, Congolese and oppressive indigenous employers will take a cue from government and not pay anything).”

College lecturers association of Zimbabwe president, David Dzatsunga, said the decision to scrap the bonuses is “unfortunate and will demotivate the already suffering workers”.

“This confirms that government has sacrificed its workers while ministers continue to live lavish,” he said.

Back to Home page