News / National
Zimbabwean teachers' union threatens strike over 'unfair' grading
5 hrs ago |
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The Educators' Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to review a newly introduced salary structure and grading system, warning of possible legal action and industrial action if its demands are not met.
The union said the ultimatum follows nationwide consultations held between April 20 and April 22, which revealed widespread dissatisfaction among teachers over the new framework.
In a statement, the Educators' Union of Zimbabwe said the salary structure has failed to cushion educators against rising living costs, many of which are pegged in United States dollars.
"The current salary framework has failed to deliver meaningful improvement in teachers' earnings, particularly in the context of rising living costs," the union said.
The EUZ further argued that the uniform US dollar component across job grades has resulted in wage compression, which it says undermines professional recognition and weakens morale within the teaching profession.
The union also criticised the new grading system for being introduced without adequate consultation. It said the removal of key promotional posts such as Senior Teacher and Head of Department has disrupted career progression and demotivated staff.
According to the EUZ, the new structure ignores qualifications and experience, which it warned could negatively affect education standards by weakening institutional capacity in schools.
Teachers are demanding an urgent review of the salary structure, including a higher and differentiated US dollar component, as well as full payment of the US$80 teaching allowance in hard currency. They are also calling for the suspension of the grading system and the reinstatement of housing, transport and rural allowances.
The union said it has given the employer a 14-day window to respond, warning that failure to do so could trigger further action, including incapacitation and legal recourse.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions between educators and authorities over remuneration, with teachers repeatedly citing economic pressures and declining morale in the sector.
The union said the ultimatum follows nationwide consultations held between April 20 and April 22, which revealed widespread dissatisfaction among teachers over the new framework.
In a statement, the Educators' Union of Zimbabwe said the salary structure has failed to cushion educators against rising living costs, many of which are pegged in United States dollars.
"The current salary framework has failed to deliver meaningful improvement in teachers' earnings, particularly in the context of rising living costs," the union said.
The EUZ further argued that the uniform US dollar component across job grades has resulted in wage compression, which it says undermines professional recognition and weakens morale within the teaching profession.
According to the EUZ, the new structure ignores qualifications and experience, which it warned could negatively affect education standards by weakening institutional capacity in schools.
Teachers are demanding an urgent review of the salary structure, including a higher and differentiated US dollar component, as well as full payment of the US$80 teaching allowance in hard currency. They are also calling for the suspension of the grading system and the reinstatement of housing, transport and rural allowances.
The union said it has given the employer a 14-day window to respond, warning that failure to do so could trigger further action, including incapacitation and legal recourse.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions between educators and authorities over remuneration, with teachers repeatedly citing economic pressures and declining morale in the sector.
Source - NewsDay
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