Though President Robert Mugabe in recent interviews said the government does not have sufficient resources to meet the pay demands of civil servants, representatives of public workers said they nonetheless look for him to use his influence to push for raises.
Negotiators for civil servants are demanding an entry level salary of $538. They met last week with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to demand a 'road map' to higher pay.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Takavafira Zhou told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri they will continue pressing for increases despite Mr. Mugabe's statement.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Ndlovu, a member of the Apex Council which negotiates on behalf of state employees, said state workers applauded the president for acknowledging that they have a genuine case.
