Zimbabwe Teachers Union Plans Protest Over Salary Reviews Before March 28
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced a protest for March 28, 2025, demanding a salary review due to rising living costs. They warn of mass action if their grievances are ignored, emphasizing the need for adequate wages. Many teachers currently earn US$300, while ARTUZ believes a minimum of US$1,260 is necessary. Their focus remains on economic issues rather than political ones, even as protests coincide with demands for political resignations.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced plans for a protest on March 28, 2025, to voice their dissatisfaction regarding inadequate salaries. The union contends that the government has failed to make necessary salary adjustments despite the escalating cost of living. In their statement, ARTUZ is demanding a salary review by the specified date, threatening nationwide mass action should their concerns remain unaddressed.
ARTUZ urges educators to cease work on March 28 in response to the government’s neglect of salary adjustments in light of rising living costs. Historically, the government has modified civil servants’ wages quarterly; however, as this quarter concludes, there have been no indications of a salary review. The statement highlights the financial struggles teachers face as their earnings stagnate, calling for acknowledgment of their needs as they deserve a living wage.
Currently, the minimum salary for teachers is approximately US$300, which many find insufficient for basic necessities, including education and healthcare. ARTUZ asserts that teachers should receive at least US$1,260 to properly sustain their families and meet essential living standards. This impending strike aligns closely with a scheduled demonstration by war veterans on March 31, which also calls for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, though ARTUZ emphasizes their focus solely on salary issues.
The March 28 protest is described as a chance for teachers to unite to demand equitable wages without political interference. Some educators have raised concerns about the timing of their strike coinciding with the veterans’ demands; however, ARTUZ maintains a non-partisan stance, emphasizing their commitment to fighting for better economic conditions for teachers regardless of political context. Additionally, nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital staged a protest on Monday to address similar grievances regarding their salaries and working conditions.
In conclusion, ARTUZ’s planned protest on March 28 underscores the urgent need for salary reviews for teachers in Zimbabwe amid rising living costs. The union’s call for mass action highlights the financial hardships educators are enduring, as their current salaries remain insufficient. Their stance remains focused on economic welfare rather than political issues, aligning with other sectors expressing discontent over low wages and work conditions.
Original Source: allafrica.com
