GOVERNMENT has snubbed further salary talks with teachers’
unions, saying it had no plans to directly engage the combative unions.
In a response dated February 18, addressed to the
Progressive Teachers’ Union (PTUZ), Civil Service Commission secretary Jonathan
Wutawunashe turned down a request by the teachers’ unions to urgently meet
government over poor salaries and working conditions.
“The commission acknowledges receipt of your minute dated
February 13, which contents are noted, please note that the commission will not
be meeting unions/associations directly. You are, therefore, advised to direct
your issues to the National Joint Negotiating Forum,” he said.
PTUZ, together with the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association
(Zimta) and four other unions had requested an urgent meeting with the Public
Service Commission (PSC) to negotiate salary adjustments in line with inflation
and erosion of real time gross settlement and bond notes values.
“We write to remind your honourable office of a meeting
between the PSC and the education sector, which was promised during the last
meeting of February 10, between ministry and the teachers unions,” the unions
wrote.
Teachers recently called off a week-long strike with the
hope of engaging the PSC for better salaries, allowances and working
conditions.
PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe said the response
was disrespectful and spiteful, saying a position will only be reached after
unions meet.
“We believe it was disrespectful and spiteful for
government to back down on promises that they made by hiding behind the law.
The law does not stop government from engaging their workers. The law, as
designed by the legislator under statutory 141 of 1996, does not bar government
from engaging its workers,” he said. In the past, unions have accused the Apex
Council of selling out and failing to address teacher-related issues. Newsday
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