Source: Govt weary of ‘predictable’ teachers’ strike threats -Newsday Zimbabwe
GOVERNMENT says it has grown weary of the “predictable ritual” of teachers striking over the dilapidated education system amid the confirmation of a sit-in set to start today across Zimbabwe’s primary and secondary schools.
Educators and government have had run-ins over poor working conditions, including unsustainable wages, with the teachers indicating that they are earning as low as US$270 per month.
The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) is demanding that teachers be paid at least US$1 250 a month.
Citing unsolved grievances, teachers have, for the umpteenth time, informed the government that they intend to go on an indefinite sit-in calling for better working conditions and a salary increase.
Unions under the umbrella organisation have also backed the latest resolutions for an industrial action by teachers across Zimbabwe.
The unions under FOZEU include the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz), Education Union of Zimbabwe, Professional Educators Union of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Visually Impaired Teachers Union.
In an interview with NewsDay, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said government was aware of the intended strike, describing it as a ritual for certain teachers’ unions.
“Government is, indeed, aware of the seasonal pronouncements from certain teachers’ unions, which have become a predictable ritual at the start of each term,” he said.
“While we acknowledge their right to voice concerns, the nation has grown weary of this tactic, which seems designed more for headlines than for genuine problem-solving. Rest assured, schools will open smoothly tomorrow.
“The government has made extensive preparations to ensure a seamless start to the term. Our focus remains unwavering on the pupils and on the vast majority of dedicated teachers who are eager to return to their classrooms.”
Ndoro said government was working on improving the quality of education and has called for persistent dialogue between government and teachers.
“We are actively working on sustainable solutions that improve the quality of our education. “However, this progress is best achieved through persistent dialogue at the negotiating table, not through last-minute threats of disruption that ultimately punish pupils and parents,” he said.
“Our message to parents, pupils and the committed teaching workforce is one of assurance and calm. “The third term will commence as planned and learning will proceed without interruption.”
In a statement yesterday, Artuz accused the government of failing to respect teachers’ labour rights, as the state of the education system is becoming a major concern.
“Artuz stands in full solidarity with FOZEU following its recent meeting, where critical resolutions were adopted in the fight for labour justice and the right to education,” the rural teachers’ body said.
“Teachers across Zimbabwe have been pushed to the brink by starvation wages, unsafe working conditions and a collapsing education system.
“The government has continued to ignore our calls for a living wage of US$1 260, adequate school resourcing, and respect for teachers’ labour rights.”
The union said the resolutions signalled that teachers were united, organised and ready to take decisive action until their demands were met.
“We remind government that this crisis is not of the teachers’ making but is a direct result of its neglect and refusal to prioritise education,” it said.
“An attack on teachers is an attack on the future of our children and the nation. Artuz, therefore, calls on all teachers to stand together under the FOZEU’s banner.
“Only through collective action can we reclaim our dignity, protect the right to organise and save the education sector from collapse.”
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