Teachers dismiss new code of conduct

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has rubbished off a news code of conduct gazetted by government which bars teaches from running private businesses.

Government gazetted statutory Instrument 72 of 2016 governing the running of government and council schools.

Teachers are prohibited from running personal businesses or to find themselves in any acts of absenteeism, sleeping while on duty, watching x-rated material as well as smoking.

The objective of the SI is to ensure that all employees in school observe standards of conduct that improve productivity, performance and reputation of the schools, enhance harmonious working relations conducive to optimal productivity and to develop a culture of internal resolution of matters at schools, among other things.

However, PTUZ said they where not consulted.

"Surely no employer can just create a Code of Conduct without engaging his/her employees," PTUZ posted on its Facebook page.

"Surely not in the 21st century. Whilst at the just ended ILO CONFERENCE government pledged to work with workers in harmonising the laws and the new Constitution. The OPPOSITE is what they have done. They consulted no one.

"The Statutory instrument is simply UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND CRIMINAL."