Zimbabwe’s civil servants go on strike in major test for country’s unity government

Zimbabwe’s civil servants strike for higher pay

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s civil servants are on strike after the government refused to meet their salary demands.

The strike is another major challenge for the country’s unity government, which was formed last year.

Tendai Chikowore, chairperson of the Public Service Association, said Friday that employees will not to return to work until the government agrees to pay a minimum salary of $630.

The coalition government had announced a 10 percent pay increase starting in April for the country’s 230,000 employees that raises their earnings up to an average of about $170 a month.

Labor groups quickly rejected the offer. In the latest negotiations, Chikowore said government leaders on Thursday offered a basic salary of $236, which the union has turned down.