Striking public-service unions held a second day of meetings on Friday as an impasse between government and workers dragged on.

The 1,3-million workers who rejected the government's wage offer appear to have sent a loud "no!" not just to the state but to trade union leaders.

Zimbabwe's tobacco sale closed on Friday with a record crop of 122-million kilograms having been sold.

The strike continued on Thursday with the Cosatu and Independent Labour Caucus declaring a "preliminary" rejection of the government's pay offer.

The Cabinet has urged public-service wage negotiators to urgently find an amicable and win-win solution to the strike.