Zimbabwe civil servants reject pay offer

Zimbabwe’s civil servants have rejected an offer of a 25% increase in wages for the lowest paid workers.

Salaries were raised in April but government employees demanded a second increase to protect themselves against rampant inflation.

Under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017, Zimbabwe is facing its worst economic crisis in 10 years.

The government’s offer is not as generous as it may first sound.

The government said it will spend $21m (£16.8m) spread over six months, which amounts to an $11 monthly increase for workers.

Teachers, for example, had pressed for a 10-fold wage increase, which would give the lowest paid worker $460 a month.

One union leader told the BBC the offer could spark industrial action. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing widespread discontent for failing to stem the economic slide.

Zimbabwe has 18-hour power cuts, fuel shortages and near 100% inflation.

The civil servants are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss a way forward.

They could join other trades unions who had already resolved to strike later this month.