Hundreds of teachers in Zimbabwe held a peaceful demonstration over the weekend to demand salary increases amidst a backdrop of ongoing economic challenges.
According to reports, the teachers are demanding a minimum salary of US$1,260 per month as the country grapples with economic difficulties, such as harsh inflation and the recent depreciation of the local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) condemned the current wages under the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and called for fair, safe labour practices and standards.
"A minimum of US$1 260 is all that teachers are demanding," Artuz said.
During the protest, the union raised concerns over government's recent spending of US$16 million to buy top-of-the-range vehicles for traditional leaders, saying, "The government should review salaries and pay a fair wage that enables teachers to cater for basics and have savings."
They also noted that the lack of a conducive environment, the unfulfilled commitments to continuing professional development, and violations of labor rights continue to drive educators out of the profession.
"Every employee has the right to participate in collective job action, including the right to strike, sit in, withdraw their labour and to take other similar concerted action, but a law may restrict the exercise of this right in order to maintain essential services.
"The Public Service Act should be aligned to protect the right to strike. Job actions should be protected by the administrators of education.
"The culture of persecuting teachers for embarking on job actions is against the spirit of the national Constitution," ZWNews reported.
The government of Zimbabwe, in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the recent devaluation of the ZiG, told the State-controlled media that it would increase salaries for civil servants and award them a 13th cheque.
According to the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, July Moyo, the move by the government is aimed at uplifting lower-income employees from inflation and widespread poverty.
Since its introduction in April 2024, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has plummeted by 67% against the US dollar.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) recently devalued the ZiG to $24,3 per US dollar from $14, prompting calls for urgent reforms and greater accountability from the leadership.
Despite many attempts by the RBZ to keep the currency afloat, the future of the ZiG remains uncertain, as critics believe that the RBZ has done very little to facilitate the smooth operation of the market.
Comments