The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) plans a protest for March 28, 2025, to demand a salary review amidst rising living costs. ARTUZ warns of mass action if grievances are not addressed. Teachers currently earn around US$300, with the union insisting on a minimum of US$1,260. The planned strike coincides with unrelated protests from war veterans.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced plans for a protest on March 28, 2025, concerning inadequate teacher salaries. The union stresses the government’s failure to adjust salaries in response to the increasing cost of living. ARTUZ has indicated that should the government fail to review salaries by this date, they will initiate mass action across the nation.
In their statement, ARTUZ emphasized, “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.” The union pointed out that the government has historically reviewed civil servants’ salaries on a quarterly basis, but has neglected to address the urgent need for adjustments this time.
Currently, teachers earn a mere US$300 monthly, which drastically hampers their ability to meet basic needs such as education, healthcare, and housing. ARTUZ argues that teachers should be compensated with at least US$1,260 monthly to ensure a decent standard of living. This planned strike will align closely with a protest by war veterans on March 31, demanding the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa; however, ARTUZ insists their focus is strictly on salary issues.
“The March 28 strike is an opportunity for teachers to unite and demand fair wages without interference,” they stated. While some concerns have been raised about the overlap with the veterans’ protest, ARTUZ has reiterated its non-partisan stance and commitment to enhancing teachers’ economic welfare. Concurrently, nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital have also protested over subpar salaries and working conditions, highlighting widespread discontent among healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe is poised to take significant action regarding stagnant salaries that fail to meet rising living costs. Their call for a protest on March 28 emphasizes the urgent need for salary adjustments, with ARTUZ remaining focused on the economic welfare of teachers. This situation reflects broader trends of discontent among various professions regarding compensation within Zimbabwe.
Original Source: allafrica.com
