Teachers Struggle for Fair Pay: Declare Incapacitation
"Teachers can't come to work because they just don't have the money" - Tapedza Zhou, union leader
Teachers Struggle for Fair Pay: Declare Incapacitation
Zimbabwean teachers are facing a tough situation as they declare they can't return to work due to severe financial struggles. With the new school term about to start, these educators are saying they simply can't afford to go back to their jobs.
Teachers Unions FOZEU & FEUZ Divided over Job Action
Earlier this year, the government tried to help by raising teachers' salaries from USD300 to USD320. But this small increase hasn't made much difference, as the cost of living keeps going up. Teachers are now asking for a minimum salary of USD540 to cover their basic needs.
Tapedza Zhou, the secretary-general of the Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ), highlighted how these financial problems are affecting the quality of education.
“Teachers can't come to work because they just don't have the money. This is a harsh reality,” Zhou said.
Teachers Struggle for Fair Pay: Declare Incapacitation
He called on the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to urgently address the salary issues, pointing out that the poor conditions for teachers are hurting the education of all children.
A survey by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) showed that about 70% of teachers are struggling severely due to low pay.
While some grain deliveries are being made to help ease the financial burden, many schools, especially in Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces, haven't received any help yet. Teachers are firm on needing a minimum salary of USD540 to meet their basic living costs.
Zimbabwe is also dealing with a food crisis, with more than half the population facing hunger. Mnangagwa has declared the drought a national disaster and is seeking around USD3 billion to prevent widespread starvation. He has promised that no one will die of hunger.
