HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe will give public workers a cost of living allowance of between 5 percent and 23 percent of their monthly salary, its labor minister told Reuters on Monday against a backdrop of strikes and violent protests in the country.

Sekai Nzenza said by phone that the allowance will be issued from January to March while negotiations with unions continue.

While a 40-day doctors strike ended last week, teachers remain on strike and civil servants have also threatened industrial action.