The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has issued a call for urgent government intervention to address the ongoing issue of teachers’ salaries, specifically by reviewing the United States Dollar component.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 12, ZIMTA emphasized the need to break the deadlock in negotiations by convening a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC). This platform facilitates discussions between the government and civil servant unions regarding salary structures, benefits, and working conditions.
ZIMTA expressed grave concern over the prolonged delays and apparent disregard for teachers’ grievances, stressing that the current situation is untenable. The union highlighted the significant impact of inadequate salaries on teachers’ morale, well-being, and ability to support their families amidst a rising cost of living.
The association urged the government to prioritize dialogue and expedite negotiations to address the pressing concerns of teachers and retirees. It emphasized the importance of fair compensation, improved working conditions, and adequate support for retired educators.
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ZIMTA warned that further delays in addressing salary issues beyond March 2024 could escalate tensions and lead to disputes. It called on the government to recognize the dominance of the US dollar in the market and adjust salaries accordingly. Additionally, ZIMTA demanded corrections to salary structure discrepancies resulting from mismanagement of job grading in the civil service.
Furthermore, ZIMTA highlighted the deplorable conditions faced by teachers, including insufficient resources, lack of essential equipment, and limited access to training, which hinder their effectiveness in delivering quality education.
The union also advocated for attention to be given to the plight of retirees, many of whom struggle to make ends meet due to inadequate pensions. It criticized the government’s failure to address retirees’ concerns as reflective of a disregard for their contributions to the nation.
Civil servants have long sought the restoration of pre-October 2018 salaries, which stood at US$540 for the lowest-paid employees. Currently, they earn less than US$300, exacerbating financial hardships for teachers across the country.