(Last Updated on March 2, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has urged the government to address the teacher’s grievances before re-opening the schools following the recent announcements that schools should prepare for the imminent resumption of physical learning.
In a statement, PTUZ said teachers were ready to go back to school, however, this depended on the government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
“We are ready to go back to work and do our duty. However, whether teachers and learners open schools at the same time will depend on gvt and it’s demonstrable commitment to the improvement of our welfare. Our members can’t be treated like third rate civil servants. It can’t,” PTUZ said.
Teachers have since last year declared incapacitation arguing that the government should at least restore their salaries to the equivalent of US$520 for the least paid teacher.
Government has, however, not budged to these requests which has led to a stalemate that has negatively impacted the education sector.
Recently, there was a massive public outcry as a significant number of schools registered a zero percent pass rate for last year Grade 7 results.
Teachers have blamed the government for the dismal performance in the national examinations by students.