Striking Zimbabwean civil servants suspended their action Wednesday on word that talks between worker representatives and government officials have been set for Tuesday on orders from a Cabinet committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.
Government officials met National Joint Negotiating Council head Nelson Tozivaripi Sambureni, asking him to mediate between worker representatives and government negotiators next week.
Apex Council Chairwoman Tendai Chikowore, senior negotiator for the state workers, told VOA Studio 7 reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that her panel decided to call off an intended hunger strike and sleep-over at the Public Service Commission after receiving word of the discussions arranged for early next week.
Secretary General Richard Gundane of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association told VOA Studio 7 reporter Brenda Moyo that civil servants are hopeful that the government will address their demands.
Government workers are asking for an increase from their current monthly salaries which top out at US$200 to a minimum compensation of US$630. Harare has said it cannot afford to raise salaries now.