The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe plans a protest on March 28, 2025, due to poor salaries failing to match rising living costs. They demand a salary review, threatening nationwide action if ignored. Currently, many teachers earn US$300, far below the suggested US$1,260. ARTUZ emphasizes a focus on teacher welfare, amidst broader protests in the country.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced plans to protest next week, expressing dissatisfaction over inadequate salaries for teachers. The union points out the government’s failure to increase salaries in light of the rising cost of living, demanding a salary review before March 28, 2025. ARTUZ has warned of nationwide mass action unless their grievances are addressed adequately.
In their statement, ARTUZ declares, “ARTUZ is calling on all teachers to down tools on March 28, 2025, in response to the government’s failure to review salaries in line with the rising cost of living.” The statement critiques the government for neglecting the customary quarterly salary review for civil servants, as the impending end of the first quarter of 2025 approaches.
Currently, the lowest-paid teacher earns approximately US$300, a figure insufficient to meet basic necessities including education, healthcare, and accommodation. ARTUZ insists that teachers should receive a minimum salary of US$1,260 to sustain themselves adequately.
Notably, the planned strike aligns closely with a protest organized by war veterans on March 31, advocating for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. ARTUZ, however, clarifies that their strike focuses solely on salary issues, stating, “The March 28 strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference.”
ARTUZ stresses that they remain non-partisan and are solely focused on enhancing the economic welfare of teachers, emphasizing their fight for fair wages irrespective of the political landscape. Concurrently, nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital have recently protested over similar issues concerning poor salaries and working conditions.
In summary, the ARTUZ is calling for a significant salary review for teachers in Zimbabwe due to the continuing financial challenges they face. Scheduled for March 28, 2025, the strike reflects a strong demand for fair wages, emphasizing that teachers’ livelihoods depend on adequate compensation. The union’s stance remains non-partisan, focusing on economic welfare rather than political motivations.
Original Source: allafrica.com
