The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) says its survey reveals that only 30% of teachers have reported for duty. The rest are staying away in protest over poor welfare conditions.
Schools opened for the first term on Tuesday.
Teacher unions said morale is low among educators. The government reportedly shut the door on their request for a meeting to discuss welfare matters.
Artuz has called for a week-long protest to pressure the government into negotiations.
“Teachers have voiced their collective grievances. A survey has shown that only 30% of teachers reported for duty,” Artuz said in a statement.
The union added, “Poor working conditions have affected the well-being and functionality of the teaching workforce. Financial instability has been caused by the overwhelming debt burden due to insufficient salaries.”
“We urge the ministry to work with the Minister of Finance to create a debt relief program and raise salaries to meet the cost of living,” Artuz said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said morale is low.
“We are calling for the restoration of purchasing power parity. Teachers’ basic salary should be US$540, with a 30% hardship allowance and a US$120 school fees allowance,” Zhou wrote.
He also called for a budget to implement the new Heritage Based Curriculum. Without a budget, teachers cannot be trained, and the new curriculum will be difficult to implement, he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro denied the claims of a stay-away when contacted.
No official response was received from the Ministries of Finance and Public Service at the time of printing.
The education sector faces challenges from years of underfunding and neglect.
It has also been revealed that thousands of teachers are quitting their jobs in frustration.
