By Paidashe Mandivengerei
PROGRESSIVE Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has griped over poor salaries and unsafe working conditions as schools reopen.
This comes after government announced schools opening dates following the decision to ease lockdown restrictions by President Mnangagwa.
Speaking at a post cabinet briefing, Tuesday, Information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said schools would be opening in a phased approach with the examination classes opening on the 15th of March and the rest of the classes on the 22nd.
In a statement, PTUZ president, Takavafira Zhou harangued government for rushing to open schools before addressing teachers concerns.
For a long time teachers unions have been up in arms with government which they say has failed to prioritize their welfare.
Teachers are demanding improved salaries, better working conditions and protective personal equipment to prevent a possible surge of Covid-19 cases.
“In blitzkrieg fashion cabinet also came up with warped timelines for opening of schools, viz 15 March for exam classes and 22 March for other classes.
“Indeed the timelines would have been sound, if government was pre-occupied with urgent resolution of the welfare of teachers and pupils. But knowing the government as we do, the restoration of purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries before 15 March and prioritization of their health and safety is next to impossible. Such arrogance of Ministry officials and cabinet ministers is out of this world,” reads part of the statement.
Zhou added that teachers will not be reporting for duty citing incapacitation. The current teachers salaries can barely afford them their basic needs let alone tuition at schools they teach.
“As teachers who are nearer to the schools and classrooms we want to tell the President of the country, E.D Mnangagwa that on the current starvation wages ranging between $14 000 and $19 000 teachers will not be able to report for work on 15 March 2021 as they are grossly incapacitated.
“The fees that are demanded in schools where we teach are beyond our reach as parents. It is demeaning to us to offer services to other people’s children that our own children cannot access.”
He further advised government to shift opening dates to a later date when teachers’ concerns have been addressed.
