Zimbabwean teachers are once again speaking out against poor salaries and deteriorating working conditions, urging the government to address their long-standing grievances. The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) are at the forefront of the demands, calling for an urgent salary review. According to Artuz secretary-general Robson Chere, teachers are still earning what he terms “dog taxes,” emphasizing the inadequacy of their salaries.
The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has also joined the call for a salary review, advocating for teachers to earn at least US$1,000 per month. Zimta secretary-general Godwill Taderera emphasized that this amount is justified, considering teachers were earning US$540 in 2018. The union is pushing for an incremental salary adjustment plan to help ease the financial burden on teachers, many of whom struggle to make ends meet due to the high cost of living.
The ongoing salary dispute has sparked warnings of possible industrial action, with teachers threatening to go on strike if their demands are not met. This could have dire consequences on the education system, potentially jeopardizing students’ academic progress. Education stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize teachers’ welfare and engage in constructive dialogue with unions to find a sustainable solution to the salary crisis.
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