Zimbabwe civil servants threaten crippling strike

TEACHERS and nurses have threatened to go on strike in protest over government's decision to defer payment of their June salaries to this month.

Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe and public hospital doctors said they would down tools starting today, while members of the Zimbabwe Teachers' Association (Zimta) would follow suit next Tuesday.

"We, the hospital doctors, wish to inform you that due to financial constraints, we are unable to report for duty from July 1, 2016," the unsigned doctors' statement read.

"We understand that the situation is being rectified, but we, on our part, are unable to meet transport costs and cannot put food on the table, as most of us are the sole breadwinners in our families.

"We are also failing to pay for our rentals and bills. While we are going to receive $100 in advance, it will not be enough to cover food, rentals and our families' subsistence."

Zimta has already dispatched a circular dated June 28, urging its members to take heed of the Tuesday work stoppage.

"Zimta members have advised the leaders to take action to show the employer the level of exasperation and anger," the circular read.

"Pursuant to the strong-willed voice, Zimta leadership has capitulated and now directs as follows: Call for a one-day stayaway on July 5, 2016. The decision will be conveyed to Apex. Meanwhile, the leadership at all strata should brace for this confrontation, mobilise and galvanise members into action."

Zimta said they had decided to take that route because "the road ahead has roadblocks that will stifle our access to the right of salary and decent work".

The teachers said they believed government was taking them for granted when it gave them a $100 cushion each to cover transport costs, while money for their full salaries was being mobilised.