Harare, 22 July-(ANA)-Zimbabwe's cash strapped government has raised salaries for civil servants by an average of 55 per cent in a move that has angered unions who say the increment falls short of their expectations.
Government workers were earning a monthly allowance of US$100 across the board since the formation of the coalition between President Robert Mugabe and his former archrivals.
But a new grading system has been introduced with effect from July 1, which will see the lowest paid worker getting at least US$155 a month.
Finance Minister Mr Tendai Biti last week said the cash strapped government was increasing the wage bill for civil servants by US$35.6 million from US$25 million per month.
This was made possible by favourable revenue inflows recorded by the new government, which has a budget of US$1.2 billion for this year.
Zimbabwe is battling to reverse a serious brain drain caused by almost a decade of economic decline and political infighting.
This has also been necessitated by high costs of rentals, fuel, school levies and other utilities, Public Service Minister Elphas Mukonoweshuro told journalists. (ANA)
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