Zimbabwean Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara on Thursday told a meeting of civil servants and government representatives that civil service salaries are not frozen, contrary to recent declarations by Finance Minister Tendai Biti which angered public workers and set up a clash within Biti's Movement for Democratic Change party.
The meeting in Kariba was expected to lead to a new round of salary negotiations. Mutambara told those present that the government is looking into demands for a significant rise in public salaries and will come up with a solution.
Civil servants want a base monthly salary of some US$600, but Biti has said the government cannot afford this.
Chairwoman Tendayi Chikowore of the Apex Council representing civil servants in discussions with the government told VOA Studio 7 reporter Patience Rusere that state workers were satisfied with Mr.. Mutambara’s assurances.
Chikowore added that she feels confident an amicable solution will be found.
