ZIMSEC examination markers have threatened to down tools in protest against poor working conditions.

The markers of the November 2012 Ordinary and Advanced level examinations accused Zimsec of giving them a raw deal by providing them with poor quality food.

"Markers are getting starved because of the below-standard food we are getting," said a marker in Harare yesterday.

"In the past, they used to provide us with better quality food, including dessert, but now we are only getting offals as relish. They are also not giving us tissues for use at the various colleges we are being accommodated while marking exams."

Other markers in Bulawayo made similar complaints.

They said their supervisors and examination officials had threatened to fire them if they complained about their poor working conditions.

Examination marking started just over a week ago and is expected to end this Saturday. The markers said they were still to be paid their allowances.

Zimsec director, Esau Nha-ndara was not answering his phone yesterday.