Teachers pile pressure on govt over salaries, new perks

By Staff Reporter

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Takavafira Zhou has implored government to restore the US$540 basic salary for teachers and draft in a number of perks so that the educators can keep their heads above conditions of poverty.

Zhou said teachers in essence demand a basic salary of US$540 per month; 30% of basic salary as rural and hardship allowance; US$200-US$300 as housing allowance; US$150 as transport allowance; US$100 as education allowance.

Equally important is the fruition of a host of other allowances, viz, ECD, class teacher, bloated class, composite class and other responsibilities, that must be paid in a stable functional currency.

In his message on the eve of tomorrow’s Workers Day, Zhou called for global solidarity for teachers in Zimbabwe.

Full statement below:

Restore their Value and Dignity

As Ptuz we join other workers nationally, regionally, continentally and globally in commemorating workers’ struggles from the 17th century, particularly the historic achievement of an 8-hour day. May Day serves as a global day of solidarity for workers to demand fair wages, better working conditions and recognise labour rights.

On this day we call upon the government to restore teachers’ status and dignity through fair wages and decent work.

Salaries: We demand a basic salary of US$540 per month; 30% of basic salary as rural and hardship allowance; US$200-US$300 as housing allowance; US$150 as transport allowance; US$100 as education allowance. Equally important is the fruition of a host of other allowances, viz, ECD, class teacher, bloated class, composite class and other responsibilities, that must be paid in a stable functional currency.

Labour Rights: We remind the government of our right to binding collective bargaining under section 65 of the Constitution as opposed to the current collective begging under an archaic, rusty and obsolete Statutory Instrument 141 of 1997. It is prudent for the government to respect ILO Conventions 87 & 98 that it has ratified, let alone ratify and domesticate ILO Conventions 151, 154 & 156. We condemn outrightly, the recent shambolic, callous and unilateral job evaluation carried out by the Public Service Commission (PSC). We will continue to fight against the one armed banditry reduction of teachers from grades E & D, and lumping in C3 grade in total disregard and disrespect of their qualifications, years in service, responsibility and promotion. We are also worried at the level of corruption in housing schemes run by PSC since the 1990s that have continued to deprive civil servants of their rights to shelter after fleecing them over a long period.

Collective Action: As Ptuz we urge workers in Zimbabwe to be united, vigilant and unionised, let alone organise across union divide and fight for better salaries and conditions of service in 2026. We need to collectively fight as brothers and sisters or else we will perish as fools.
Brain drain We note with concern the high level of brain drain in both public and private sectors in Zimbabwe that is bleeding all professions in Zimbabwe and retarding development, be it teachers, lecturers, engineers, nurses, medical doctors, etc. We unreservedly, unflinchingly and unequivocally call upon the government of Zimbabwe to make an urgent and permanent intervention that can redress the scourge and foster brain circulation.

Taxation: We are worried about the myriad of taxes reminiscent of the Rhodesian regime that are saddling the general populace and workers in independent Zimbabwe. We call for a reduction of taxes and in tax free thresholds to offer relief to the general populace and workers.

Conclusion We reiterate that well paid and resourced teachers is a must for quality public education. Above all, meaningful engagement with workers and logical disputation foster industrial harmony and productivity. Unilateralism and prevarication breed industrial disharmony that dilute productivity. Only intrinsically motivated, dynamic and industrious workers can foster sustainable development of a nation. It is imperative therefore for the government to seriously consider the welfare of its workers in the best interest of service delivery.

Venceremos

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou Ptuz President