By Ndumiso Tshuma
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says civil servants should be eligible for food aid as they earn low salaries.
This comes after the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo, stated that civil servants will not be eligible to receive food aid under the government drought relief programme as they earn good salaries.
“In both urban and rural areas, if you are working, don’t even attempt to apply for food aid,” he declared during a recent drought mitigation meeting in Bulawayo.
“All civil servants and public servants are working. Don’t attempt to get any food.”
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure shot back stating that civil servants abould be well remunerated so that they dont beg for food handouts.
“For the record teachers and other civil servants earn below USD 350, teachers earn an average of USD 300,” he said.
“Teachers do not want to be perennial recipients of aid but demand a fair wage so that they can procure their own food.”
Masaraure said they want a monthlty salary of USD1 260 “so that they won’t ask for food aid”.
“If salaries are not reviewed teachers should be considered for food aid. Denying them food aid will be cruel and will further fuel incapacitation,” he said.
Masaraure also criticised Minister Moyo for signing Collective Bargaining agreements for those in private sector, claiming he was denying the same right to civil servants.
“ARTUZ Demands right to Collective Bargaining in line with Section 65 (5) of the constitution. The Public Service Act should be urgently be aligned to the constitution. Minister Moyo should lead the process but unfortunately he seems to be sleeping on duty,” he stated.
ARTUZ also demanded a moratorium on all school fees and examination fees to protect the right to education for learners during this drought spell.
“We call on donor agencies to consider a food aid package particularly targeted for our poverty stricken civil servants,” said ARTUZ.
