The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) plans a protest on March 28, 2025, due to inadequate salaries amidst rising living costs. They demand a salary review by the deadline, threatening mass action if not addressed. Currently, the lowest salary for teachers is US$300, far below the advocated US$1,260, highlighting the urgent need for economic reform.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is preparing to stage a protest on March 28, 2025, in response to inadequate salaries for teachers. The union argues that the government has not adjusted salaries despite the rising cost of living, which has led to financial distress among educators. ARTUZ is demanding a salary review before the deadline, threatening nationwide action if their concerns are not addressed.
In an official statement, ARTUZ declared, “ARTUZ is calling on all teachers to down tools on March 28, 2025, in response to the government’s failure to review salaries in line with the rising cost of living.” They note that traditionally, civil servants’ salaries have been reviewed quarterly; however, the government has not responded to requests for adjustments as the March 31 deadline approaches.
The lowest-paid teacher currently earns approximately US$300, leaving many unable to meet essential needs such as education, healthcare, and housing. ARTUZ insists that teachers should earn at least US$1,260 to maintain a decent standard of living.
The timing of the strike aligns with a planned protest by war veterans on March 31, who are calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. Nevertheless, ARTUZ stresses that their strike is strictly focused on salary issues: “The March 28 strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference.”
Teachers have voiced apprehension regarding the coinciding protests; ARTUZ has asserted its non-partisan stance, emphasizing that their fight relates solely to the economic rights of teachers regardless of political influences. Concurrently, it is reported that nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital recently protested concerning their salaries and working conditions.
In summary, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe is set to protest on March 28, 2025, demanding a salary review in light of financial hardships faced by educators. With salaries stagnant while the cost of living rises, teachers’ grievances have intensified. ARTUZ prioritizes economic welfare and insists on their right to fair compensation, differentiating their cause from other political movements. Meanwhile, concerns over healthcare workforce conditions have also been highlighted by recent protests among nurses in the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
