GOVERNMENT and civil servants are headed for confrontation following the expiry of a deadline issued to improve their salaries and working conditions.

The workers last week gave Government up to today to solve their grievances or face a one-day nationwide strike on Thursday.

Workers' representatives yesterday said they had already started mobilising members for the possible strike.

The workers meet Public Service Minister Lucia Matibenga over the issue this afternoon in what they described as "D-day".

Though Government is willing to meet civil servants unions, sources yesterday said it was likely the employer would not be able to meet the demands tabled by the civil servants.

Minister Matibenga yesterday declined to comment on the meeting."I am not willing to discuss anything of that nature with anyone, anywhere and at anytime," she said.

Minister Matibenga met the workers' representatives last week and asked for a grace period to consult Government principals.

Apex Council chairperson and Zimta president Mrs Tendai Chikowore yesterday confirmed today's meeting saying they were expecting nothing short of "good news".

"This is our D-day and we have given Government enough time. We have laid down the roadmap and failure by Minister Matibenga to announce something for the civil servants means an industrial action countrywide."The workers are demanding US$538 for the least paid Government employee.

Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Manuel Nyawo said their members were ready for the industrial action.

"We have not yet received confirmation of the meeting but that will not stop us from going to her (Matibenga) offices," he said.

"She set a date with us but she will regret if she fails to engage us. We are mobilising and it will be a crippling industrial action."

Zimta chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu said: "We have articulated our position. As much as we want to give dialogue a chance, we expect Government to show us progress by announcing something for the workers."

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe added: "We are going to attend but I am disappointed by our colleagues who are assisting Government to buy time.