By Staff Reporter
THE Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has slammed government’s unilateralism in handling teachers related remuneration issues on the back of calls for a whooping US$1 000 salary demand.
The outcry comes on the back of rising costs of living which have seen teachers crying out foul after recently losing purchasing power following the government’s decision to devalue the ZWG currency by 43%.
PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou said the government must urgently deal with the devaluation loss.
“Civil Servants, particularly teachers want the government to urgently factor in a salary adjustment consequent of Zig depreciation, after which the government must meaningfully factor in a salary and conditions of service review that is long over due since the beginning of the second quarter in April 2024. By no means should the government shortchange its hard-working workers,” he said.
He said an investment into the welfare of teachers is a must in the move towards a new social contract for education punctuated by a skills revolution in the 21st century hence the need for the government to value the teacher voices and engagement, as opposed to unilateralism and intransigence on issues of welfare of teachers, policy formulation, investing 6% of GDP in quality public education, pre-service and in-service training, curriculum change and development.
“Teachers are better placed to foster a skills revolution in the education sector and when intrinsically motivated can design impressive benchmarks towards achieving the Global Agenda 2030. A basic salary of US$540, realistic housing allowance (US$250), transport allowance (US$120), hardship allowance (30% of basic salary for teachers in rural areas) and education allowance (US$120), etc, can intrinsically motivate teachers,” said Zhou.
PTUZ reminded government to appreciate that teachers manage the best asset of any nation (pupils) and must, therefore, be respected and supported in this endeavour.
“Nothing for teachers and education without teachers. Anything for education and teachers without teachers is against them,” he added.
