Concerns have been noted and would be taken to President
Mnangagwa and Cabinet for further deliberations.
Yesterday, a team of ministers met unions to address their
concerns after teachers had complained that their salaries were too low.
Some teachers have not reported for duty since examination
classes reopened on September 28, while others are understood to be conducting
illegal private lessons and demanding a premium.
Teacher representatives are calling for a minimum salary of
US$520 or the equivalent at the auction rate.
However, Government has indicated that it would be unable
to pay in US dollars given that it has reintroduced the local currency.
“They have raised their concerns and we are taking these
concerns to the President and Cabinet. We have heard their concerns, but we
also appealed to them to be realistic in their concerns and consider the
economic conditions prevailing in the country.
“The salary negotiations between the Government and the
National Joint Negotiating Council are ongoing. But Government decided to
cushion its workers, while waiting for these negotiations to be finalised and
the appeal to civil servants is to be patient while waiting for the outcome,” said
Professor Mavima.
Last week, Treasury paid a 40 percent cost of living salary
adjustment to cushion civil servants, while waiting for the completion of
negotiations with unions over pay and other employment terms.
Government has also committed to continue paying the temporary
US$75 monthly Covid-19 allowances that it promised to all its workers for the
duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a joint statement after their meeting with Government,
the eight unions representing teachers raised their concerns, but remained
optimistic that common ground with the employer would be found.
“We look forward to reaching a favourable consensus and
collectively forge a productive way forward,” reads part of the statement.
“We appeal for the urgent payment of sector-specific
allowances.” Last week, lessons commenced in a new phased approach to avoid a
spike in Covid-19 infections. This year’s examination classes started lessons
last week.
On October 26, next year’s examination classes resume
classes and then on November 9, everyone else goes back to school.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in
celebrating the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (Unesco) World Teachers’ Day.
The day is commemorated annually on October 5 since 1994,
to appreciate the work and sacrifices done by teachers across the world to
ensure children get great education.
This year’s theme is “Teachers: Leading in Crisis,
Re-imagining the Future” and in many parts of the world, the celebrations were
held virtually due to the desire to contain the spread of Covid-19. Herald
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