ARTUZ calls for nationwide strike over salary review delay

Harare, Zimbabwe — The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced a nationwide strike set for March 28, 2025, in protest of the government’s failure to adjust salaries in line with the rising cost of living.

ARTUZ said teachers have endured severe financial hardships due to stagnant wages, despite the government’s long-standing practice of quarterly salary reviews for civil servants. As the first quarter of the year nears its end, the union claims the government has ignored all calls for an adjustment.

Currently, the lowest-paid teacher earns under US$300, an amount ARTUZ argues is insufficient to cover basic needs, including education, healthcare, and accommodation. The union insists that teachers should earn at least US$1,260 to meet living expenses.

“The employer has completely ignored all calls for a salary adjustment,” ARTUZ said in a statement Wednesday. “Teachers continue to endure extreme financial hardships while their salaries remain stagnant.”

ARTUZ also criticized the government’s negotiation platform, the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), calling it “an unconstitutional platform dominated by yellow unions that do not represent the real interests of workers.” The union accused the government of using co-opted leaders to suppress civil servants’ demands, urging teachers to bypass these organizations and take direct action.

“The 28 March strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference,” the statement read.

The planned strike comes amid growing political tensions, with some teachers raising concerns over its timing, which coincides with calls by war veterans for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. ARTUZ, however, said it maintains a non-partisan stance, stating that its focus remains on teachers’ economic welfare.

“Our fight is for fair wages—regardless of who is in power,” the union said. “History has shown that leadership changes do not automatically translate to better wages for teachers.”

ARTUZ attributed Zimbabwe’s economic challenges to corruption and mismanagement, citing allegations against government officials involved in illicit wealth accumulation.

“We call upon law enforcement agencies to conduct full investigations and hold all culprits accountable,” the statement read. “Teachers will only receive fair wages when national resources are properly managed.”

While acknowledging the country’s governance crisis, ARTUZ advocated for a Transitional Authority to implement institutional reforms before holding elections, arguing that state institutions must be free from military influence.

The union has demanded an immediate salary review before March 28, warning that failure to meet this demand will lead to mass action.

“Enough is enough, teachers deserve a living wage,” ARTUZ said.