Teachers call for regional worker solidarity

THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has called for stronger regional working-class solidarity, urging South African labour movements to unite with workers across southern Africa in confronting what it described as the effects of neoliberal economic policies and growing inequality.

The appeal was made in a solidarity message delivered by an ARTUZ delegation led by union president Obert Masaraure at the 13th National Congress of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), which began on Friday and concludes tomorrow.

In its message, ARTUZ said the economic and social challenges confronting countries across the region were rooted in neoliberal policies rather than migration.

"We meet at a time when the southern African region is bleeding," the union said.

"South Africa is facing a severe crisis of xenophobia, but let us be dialectical and clear: this is a direct response to the crisis of neoliberalism."

ARTUZ said Zimbabwean teachers' struggles over low salaries, deteriorating working conditions and what it described as state repression were closely linked to the experiences of workers in South Africa.

The union argued that millions of workers throughout the region were struggling under austerity measures, declining public services and widening inequality, warning that migrant workers were being unfairly blamed for broader economic problems.

According to ARTUZ, the challenges facing workers require a united regional response rather than divisions based on nationality.

Reflecting on the congress theme, 'Advance workplace organisation to defend collective bargaining, heighten class consciousness and advance internationalism', the union said stronger workplace organisation remained essential to improving workers' conditions and advancing broader social transformation.

"These victories do more than put food on the table - they embolden the working class," the union said.

"They build the confidence necessary to... march decisively towards socialism."

ARTUZ urged Nehawu delegates to continue strengthening class solidarity while rejecting xenophobic narratives.

"The real enemy is capital, not the migrant worker," the union said.

It concluded its solidarity message with the call: "Workers of the continent must unite; we have nothing to lose but our chains!"

The Nehawu congress, one of South Africa's major public sector labour gatherings, is expected to deliberate on issues including collective bargaining, wage negotiations and the future direction of organised labour in the country.