Zimbabwe Teachers Threaten Strike Over Pay, Give Government 14-day Ultimatum

Teachers have given the government a 14-day ultimatum to review their pay, warning that schools may not reopen this month if no meaningful action is taken.

They are the latest group of civil servants to challenge the government over wages, following recent protests by nurses.

The growing discontent comes despite the government announcing salary increases in ZiG in April, which civil servants have dismissed as inadequate.

In a letter to the Public Service Commission, the Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) said teachers were dissatisfied with the pay review.

“The US$320 uniform base across all grades is clear wage compression. The ZiG component is unstable and erodes real income,” said EUZ Secretary General Tapedza Zhou.

“Salary structure does not match the cost of living, which is largely indexed in USD. Therefore, the conclusion from members is clear: There was no meaningful salary increment in real terms.”

In a statement, EUZ spokesperson Herzel Mushayabasa criticised the government’s new grading system and set out the union’s demands.

“The Union is therefore calling for a significant review of the salary structure, with an increased and differentiated USD component, full payment of the US$80 teaching allowance in USD, immediate review and suspension of the current grading system pending stakeholder engagement, and reinstatement of critical allowances, including housing, transport, and rural incentives,” said Mushayabasa.

“The Union has given the employer a 14-day window to respond to these concerns. Should there be no meaningful engagement or resolution within this period, EUZ members have indicated their intention to take further action, including incapacitation and legal recourse.

“EUZ remains committed to constructive dialogue but emphasises that the dignity, welfare, and professional standing of teachers must be safeguarded as a matter of urgency.”

More: NewZimbabwe.com