(Last Updated on November 16, 2020 by GERALD NCUBE)
ZIMBABWE – Teachers all over the country have not reported for duty since the government ordered the phased re-opening of schools back in September – today marks fifty days since the teachers declared that they were incapacitated and not able to report for work.
The teachers petitioned their employer and demanded that their salaries be restored to US$520 or equivalent in local currency.
However, government has refused to bow down to this particular demand and recently announced a 40% upward review which takes the teacher’s salary to ZWL 18 327.
This is only about US$180.
Teachers have rejected this offer and defied government orders that they report for work.
The ongoing stalemate has had a negative impact on students especially those expected to sit for their national examinations in December without finishing their syllabi after schools were closed for more than 6 months due to the lockdown regulations which were meant to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently government threatened to fire all teachers not reporting for duty.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) said less than 50 percent of their demands had been met so far and urged government to be fair on the teachers, learners and the nation.
“Today marks 50days since teachers refused to keep on subsidising their employer. Employer has met less than 50% of our demands. Teachers still treated as inconsequential fringe employees. We call on gvt to be fair on teachers, learners and the nation,” said the Teacher’s Union in a statement.