Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says they will not relent in voicing their grievances until their demands are met and their salaries adequately reflect the economic realities they face.
In a statement, the teachers asserted the urgency of their demand for a significant salary increase.
“As the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, we raise our voices in defiance of the intolerable conditions endured by teachers in our nation. We demand an immediate and significant salary increase to a minimum of US$1260. This is not a mere request; it is a demand for justice, dignity, and the fundamental right to a livable wage,” they stated.
The teachers highlighted the trend of retailers pricing goods in U.S. dollars, creating an exclusive market that discriminates against those earning local currency.
“The current situation represents a blatant disregard for the economic realities faced by teachers and their families, pushing them further into poverty and despair. The recent Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) report revealing a near doubling of the family basket cost from ZWL$3.6 million to ZWL$6.2 million, while teachers earn a mere ZWL$700,000, constitutes a disaster for thousands of families across our nation.”
ARTUZ said they would not accept the deplorable situation and emphasised their right to demand a fair wage.
“We refuse to be silenced or ignored. As teachers, and as human beings, we have the right to demand a salary that reflects the economic realities we face. We stand united with other civil servants who have already begun calling for salary revisions.”
The statement underlined their awareness of the economic difficulties and demanded a salary commensurate with the value of their work.
“We are aware of the prevailing exchange rates, with the Zim dollar trading at an exorbitant rate against the US dollar. We demand a salary commensurate with the true value of our work, enabling us to support our families, educate our children, and live a life free from constant financial distress,” stated ARTUZ.
They appealed to the government for swift action and urged employers to recognise their worth.
“We call upon the government to recognise the urgency of this situation and take swift and decisive action. We also call upon employers to acknowledge our value and meet our demands for a just and equitable salary.”
ARTUZ reiterated their stance against economic injustice and vowed to continue fighting for their rights.
“We will not be victims of this economic chaos. We will not stand idly by as our livelihoods are eroded. We will not accept anything less than what we deserve. We will not rest until our demands are met, our salaries reflect the economic realities we face, and our lives as teachers become bearable once again,” they concluded.
