Teachers in Zimbabwe have faced a setback in pursuing better salaries after the High Court dismissed their application for improved working conditions, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033364/teachers-suffer-setback-in-salary-demands">NewsDay</a>.
Several teachers’ unions brought the case, including the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Educators Union of Zimbabwe.
The unions had sued the government over poor salaries and working conditions.
They cited the Public Service Commission, which established the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), through the Public Service Act responsible for determining salaries and working conditions.
They also cited President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ministers Mthuli Ncube (Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion), Ziyambi Ziyambi (Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs), July Moyo (Public Service and Social Welfare) and Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza as respondents.
In their application, the unions, represented by Matika, Gwisai and Partners argued that the NJNC violated their rights to collective bargaining.
They sought a declaratory order based on section 85(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees this right. 
However, High Court Judge Justice Lucy Mungwari dismissed their application. Ruled Justice Mungwari:
<blockquote>
Put simply, the respondents allege that the applicants did not plead any consequential or tangible benefit they would obtain from such a declaration.
There is no dispute between or among these parties. The contestation raised is academic. The applicants do not allege that the respondents have in any way barred them from exercising the rights conferred by the particular sections of the Constitution which they cite.
They cannot base their motion for the declaration of constitutional invalidity of the said sections on an academic apprehension. If the court were to grant the order they seek, it will be nothing but an order in the abstract.
</blockquote>
Justice Mungwari ruled that the applicants needed to provide additional arguments if they wished for the court to consider their case. She said:
<blockquote>
They ought to have shown that they are embroiled in a wrangle with the respondents who have refused to abide by what they perceive as their constitutional rights.
They did not plead a tangible benefit that they would obtain from the granting of the order that they seek. 
There is no background dispute against which the constitutionality and invalidity of the impugned provisions is anchored.
The applicants’ application be and is hereby dismissed in its entirety.
</blockquote>
The teachers contended that they were denied their right to a collective bargaining process.
In 2022, civil servants abandoned the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) after years of unproductive meetings aimed at negotiating salaries and working conditions.
At that time, they demanded at least US$540 for the lowest-paid workers, a request which the government did not fulfil.
Currently, they seek US$1,260 due to rising living costs, exacerbated by the depreciation of the local currency, the ZiG.
In July 2022, teachers’ unions under the banner Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union withdrew from the NJNC, citing its failure to uphold labour rights as guaranteed in section 65(1) of the national Constitution.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Teachers in Zimbabwe wanted better salaries, but the High Court said no. The teachers' unions sued the government over poor pay and working conditions. They said the government violated their right to collective bargaining. The court dismissed their case because they didn't show a tangible benefit. The teachers have been struggling to negotiate for better pay since 2022. They want higher salaries because of rising living costs. The court ruled that the teachers needed to show more evidence for their case.

High Court Ruling Stalls Teachers' Push For Better Salaries

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has declined to comment on the teachers’ demands for improved salaries and working conditions, following educators’ declaration of incapacity to travel to their workstations when schools reopen on Tuesday.
The new school term is set to begin on September 10 and will run until December 5.
In March 2024, the government increased teachers’ salaries from US$300 to US$320 (gross), with an additional local currency component.
However, teachers say the increment is inadequate due to significant deductions that diminish the actual take-home pay.
Teachers’ unions are now advocating for a more substantial raise, proposing a minimum salary of US$840 for the lowest-paid educators, a significant increase from the US$540 they were earning before October 2018.
When approached for comment by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200031838/govt-tight-lipped-over-teachers-salary-demands">NewsDay</a>, Simon Masanga, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, said he was unable to discuss the issue with the media. Said Masanga:
<blockquote>
These matters are discussed at the proper forum, that is, the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) and we don’t discuss and negotiate conditions of service with the media.
However, in the past, teachers’ unions have accused the government of vacillating on calling NJNC meetings to discuss their welfare concerns.
</blockquote>
Taungana Ndoro, spokesperson for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, told NewsDay that they are working diligently to ensure the smooth reopening of schools without any disruptions. He said:
<blockquote>
We are addressing the challenges faced by the Basic Education Assistance Module [BEAM] programme to enhance support for vulnerable pupils. Ongoing assessments are in place to identify and resolve any issues related to funding and resource allocation.
The home-grown school feeding programme is being prioritised by the government to provide nutritious meals to pupils, at least one hot meal a day.
</blockquote>
Ndoro also said they were carrying out awareness campaigns in collaboration with health authorities on the Mpox outbreak.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government won't talk about teachers wanting more money. They got a raise from $300 to $320 but it's not enough, say teachers. They want at least $840. The government says they talk about it with teachers, not the media. Schools are opening soon, and the government is trying to make sure everything goes smoothly. They also want to make sure kids get good meals and stay healthy. Teachers want a raise, but the government won't talk about it in public.

Public Service Ministry Fends Off Debate On Civil Servants' Salaries

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has reiterated its demand for USD$840 salaries for its members.
ZIMTA Secretary General Goodwill Taderera said they have already submitted a position paper to the Government outlining their expectations. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
We are still demanding a meaningful salary increase for teachers and this demand is on our agenda this month. According to a position paper which has already been tabled to government, a sum of USD$840 must be the entry level salary for a qualified teacher.
</blockquote>
He said teachers expect to be awarded salaries that align with their profession, their qualifications, their experiences and the workload.
Taderera said that the US$20 salary increment granted to civil servants fell significantly short and not enough to cover their basic needs. He said:
<blockquote>
Our demand is also, as per our last negotiations where the government, of course, gave us $20.00 and on the part of teachers $39.00 payable in RTGS but still, we thought that this was a mockery on our part and because of that we think that the government should be serious going forward to give us something quite meaningful.
A salary increase of $20.00 is just about nothing to take home, a salary increase of $ 39 RTGS which they are now calling Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG) again is just about nothing to take home about considering the inflationary pressures that are there and the cost of living that is also prevailing within the economy
</blockquote>
The Government recently raised civil servants’ salaries to US$320, up from US$300, and indexed the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing official exchange rate.
The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) is expected to meet this month where ZIMTA plans to table its demands.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Makes Fresh Demand For Teachers' Salaries

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has called on the government to immediately address the teachers’ salaries issue by reviewing the United States Dollar component.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 12 March, ZIMTA said it was imperative to address the current stalemate in negotiations with the government by convening a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a platform where the government and unions representing civil servants engage in negotiations related to civil servants’ salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
ZIMTA said the prolonged inaction and disregard for teachers’ concerns could not be tolerated anymore. Said the union:
<blockquote>
Our dedicated teachers who tirelessly serve the public day in and day out, are grappling with abysmally low salaries that fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
The lack of a fair living wage not only undermines the morale and well-being of our members but also jeopardizes our ability to provide for our families and to contribute meaningfully to aggregate demand in the economy.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue and expedite the negotiation process to address the pressing issues facing teachers and retirees.
The association added that it was time for the government to prioritise the well-being and livelihoods of teachers, ensuring fair compensation, improved working conditions, and adequate support for retirees. It said:
<blockquote>
Any procrastination of improved salaries beyond March 2024 will be a silent declaration of conflict of rights and interests likely to escalate to a dispute.
We urge the government to revert to the table and improve the USD salary, which is now the dominant currency in the market at about 85% circulation.
The employer should take advantage of this call and correct salary structure discrepancies arising from the wrong manipulation of job grading in the civil service in general.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA also bemoaned the deplorable conditions of service, including inadequate resources, lack of essential equipment, and limited access to proper training, further exacerbating the challenges faced by teachers. Said the union:
<blockquote>
These conditions not only hinder our ability to perform duties effectively but also compromise the quality of services provided to the public.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA demanded that the government should also address the plight of retirees, who have dedicated their lives to public service. It said:
<blockquote>
Many retired teachers are struggling to make ends meet, as their pensions fall short of covering necessities.
The government’s failure to address the concerns of retirees and provide adequate support reflects a callous disregard for those who have served our country faithfully.
</blockquote>
Over the years, civil servants have been pushing for the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 for the lowest-paid employees. They are currently earning less than US$300.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands Urgent Review Of Teachers’ Salaries

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has described the move by the Government to convert civil servants’ US$300 COVID-19 allowance into a salary as a mere “tissue of misrepresentation”, saying it will not improve teachers’ welfare.
The decision to turn the US$300 allowance into a salary was announced by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube during the 2024 National Budget presentation.
Last week, members of the uniformed forces and the health sector received the allowances as proper salaries amid indications that State employees are now getting less than in previous years as their USD earnings are now being taxed.
Some unions representing civil servants, such as the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), welcomed the conversion of the allowances into pensionable salaries.
However, PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the move was not a product of collective bargaining but was “a product of one-armed banditry”. Said Zhou (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/teachers-scoff-at-us300-salary-a-product-of-one-armed-banditry-says-union/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Talk that the new salary will transform the teachers’ plight. This is high-sounding nothing and tissue of misrepresentation considering a myriad of taxes and increases announced by the Finance Minister that cumulatively heap burning coals upon the heads of the workers.
Salaries must be a result of binding collective bargaining and not a product of one-armed banditry, and primitive exploitation of the employer in a manner tantamount to slavery.
It is only through logical disputation, broad engagement and social dialogue that there could be industrial harmony in schools…
We therefore call for the urgent restoration of US$540 basic salary of teachers, payment of US$80 education allowance in US$, and other host allowances such as infancy, class teacher, bloated class, A level and responsibility allowances in US$s.
</blockquote>
Over the past several years, civil servants have been demanding that the Government raise workers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 levels of US$540 per month for the least-paid employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants' US$300 Salary "A Product Of One-armed Banditry", Says PTUZ

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), which is reportedly the largest union representing teachers, has implored the government to increase teachers’ salaries to at least US$700 to improve their living standards.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021104/teachers-demand-us700-salary">NewsDay</a>, ZIMTA secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said that the Government should improve their salaries before schools open next year. He said:
<blockquote>
Right now, we know that we are supposed to be getting upwards US$1 000, but teachers have not been able to get even half of that.
We hope that this time around, the government will meaningfully improve our salaries by giving us at least US$700.
Our last proposal was US$800 and we appreciate how the government involves us during social dialogue.
We hope the government (continues) to prioritise social dialogue that will yield positive results.
</blockquote>
Taderera said that they have written to the government requesting to be invited to the negotiating table but they haven’t received any response as yet.
The Government has repeatedly refused to meet teachers’ salary demands citing resource constraints.
Teachers currently earn less than US$100 in local currency and US$300 in COVID-19 allowances per month.
The Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube announced in the 2024 National Budget that the allowance will be converted to a pensionable salary.
The pay dispute between the Government and teachers goes back to October 2018, when the Government stopped paying teachers in United States dollars, switching to the reintroduced Zimbabwean dollar.
The pre-October 2018 salaries for civil servants was US$540.
The new currency has steadily lost value, effectively reducing teachers’ wages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands US$700 Salary For Teachers

Unions representing teachers have dismissed the reported latest salary offer by the Government as too little to meet members’ basic needs.
Last weekend Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the Government will soon table a new salary offer for civil servants at the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
Reports claim that the Government plans to increase civil servants’ earnings to a minimum of US$400 when allowances are factored in.
The Government reportedly arrived at the figure without consulting civil servants’ representatives.
Speaking in separate interviews with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013342/govt-salary-offer-too-little-say-teachers">NewsDay</a>, unions representing teachers bemoaned their employer’s “unilateralism.”
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader Obert Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
A salary increment should be tabled at a collective bargaining platform, where the workers and employer haggle around and agree on a bargaining agreement. That agreement should be the one published.
The employer should meet all union representatives to discuss conditions of service.
The minister is also usurping the powers of the Public Service Commission. Section 203(1) of the national Constitution mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to fix conditions of service for civil servants, not the minister.
Such conditions should be fixed in line with section 65(5) which provides for the right to collective bargaining.
We also reject any increment which doesn’t match the basket of needs for teachers. We have done the calculations and come up with a minimum of US$1 260.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said:
<blockquote>
The salary increment was long overdue, hence should have been done yesterday.
As a union, we don’t believe in NJNC whose mandate has long ceased to exist.
We actually believe that US$540 is not negotiable, since it was our pre-October 2018 earnings, and what we could negotiate is additional income above that.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-marks-time-on-pay-talks-as-wages-shrink-to-us10/">ZimLive</a> on Thursday, Mavima dismissed the reports claiming that the Government has already prepared a new salary package for civil servants.
In April, the Government unilaterally awarded civil servants an additional US$50 in allowances and a 100% Zimbabwe dollar salary increment which has since been rendered meaningless by galloping inflation.
Civil servants earn US$250 in allowances and a regular wage of ZW$100,000, which is just US$10 if converted using prevailing exchange rates.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Latest Govt Salary "Offer" Too Little - Teachers

Teacher unions say their members can no longer report for work consistently due to financial incapacitation.
The Education Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has since written to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare explaining the financial challenges teachers are facing and asking for an upward review of their earnings.
The letter, which was copied to the permanent secretary in the Public Service Ministry and the minister and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our members in the rural areas have been long forgotten with a rural allowance of ZW$3 516 which is 72 US cents at interbank rate. Our members shall therefore not consistently report for duty until they are fully capacitated.
Teachers got a paltry ZW$70 311 in April 2023. Then, the interbank rate was at US$1:ZW$994.71 and could secure US$75. The interbank rate has since shot up to US$1:ZW$4 868 as at June 2023.
Prices of basic commodities have also spiraled at each upward review of the interbank rate.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has confirmed that in May 2023, a family of 6 re[1]quires ZW$1 million to survive monthly from ZW$611 275 in April 2023.
Without an immediate review of teachers’ salaries, they cannot afford decent accommodation, transport, food and paying bills.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/teachers-bemoan-us13-slave-wage/">The NewsHawks</a> that the future of the country’s education system is uncertain. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The future for the education sector in particular is bleak. We are witnessing a massive brain drain as workers, including teachers, are leaving Zimbabwe in search of greener pastures in the diaspora.
Those who are unfortunate enough to remain at the workplace are highly demoralised, with very low productivity. Downtime is also high as workers are consistently engaging in job actions.
The revival of Zimbabwe’s economy is next to impossible with the current crisis in labour relations.
To save Zimbabwe, people should vote for a government that can improve the welfare of workers.
</blockquote>
Teacher unions are demanding varying amounts ranging from civil servants’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 to US$1 260 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers' Zimbabwe Dollar Salary Plummet To US$13 - Unions

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has urged the Government to alleviate teachers’ suffering by paying them decent salaries.
ZIMTA acting secretary general Goodwill Taderera said that the employer should do away with RTGs-pegged salaries and pay teachers in US dollars. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Things are so bad and teachers are suffering. We are getting into continuous borrowing to augment the poor salaries.
The call comes as the Zimbabwean dollar has lost value on both the formal and parallel markets which has resulted in sharp price increases.
</blockquote>
Moreover, most manufacturers, retailers and other service providers are now demanding US Dollars.
ZIMTA has been demanding that the government reverts to the 2018 salaries which were pegged in US dollars when teachers were earning between US$500 and US$600 per month.
Other unions representing civil servants are asking for US$840 per month for the lowest-paid Government employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pay Teachers Decent Salaries, ZIMTA Tells Government

Some teacher unions say their members are not ready for the commencement of the Second Term and are incapacitated but are dragging themselves to work to avoid reprisals by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The 2023 Second Term starts today, 08 May, but unlike in previous years, teacher unions have not been urging their members to go on strike.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou on Sunday told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011249/outcry-over-school-fees-hike">NewsDay</a> that teachers lack motivation to effectively discharge their duties. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are demotivated and have outstanding legitimate demands that have not been addressed by the PSC [Public Service Commission] emanating from their discrimination in salary increases in which other government workers have been awarded salary increases four times that of teachers.
Above all, the quantum leap of inflation and increase in basic (commodity prices) has left them virtually incapacitated.
They are parents as well and together with other parents have no money to pay for exorbitant fees paid in US dollars, particularly in boarding schools.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
As teachers, we have gotten used to the government ill-treating us, particularly on salaries.
So in terms of preparedness, the teachers are not very much prepared, but they are sympathetic to the learners.
</blockquote>
Taderera added that teachers were going to work to evade punishment from their employer.
Last month, the Government awarded civil servants a 100 percent salary increment but it has been rendered worthless by the precipitous fall in value of the Zimbabwe dollar on the parallel market.
Before the salary increment was announced, the rate was roughly US$1: ZWL$1 800 but it has since moved to US$1:2 700.
The Government also increased the COVID-19 allowance to US$250 for all civil servants excluding those in the health sector, up from US$200.
Civil servants are, however, demanding US$840 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Teachers Dragging Themselves To Work To Avoid Punishment"

Teachers on Friday rejected a 100% salary increment on their Zimbabwe dollars earnings, up from a 50% hike that had been offered the previous week.
Teachers are reportedly earning at least ZWL$36 000 and a US$120 component, plus a US$75 COVID-19 allowance, but together with the rest of the civil service, are demanding US$840 per month.
The government made the latest offer on Friday during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
On Thursday the previous week, another NJNC meeting, the first to be held in 2023, had ended in a deadlock.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008752/govt-workers-reject-us50-increment">NewsDay</a>, over the weekend, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said the government had offered to pay the salary increment starting next month, but they rejected the arrangement. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Government reviewed our gross salaries in local currency from 50% to 100% and reconfigured the COVID-19 allowance and the cushion allowance to the amalgamated civil service allowance, which moved from the previously offered US$220 to US$250.
Additionally, there is a teaching allowance of US$80 paid in local currency. This is inflation-adjusted. But we have not yet agreed on any of these figures.
The effective date was given as April 1, 2023, which we rejected and demanded that it be backdated to January.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that teachers are planning to down tools. He said:
<blockquote>
Our power is not in the boardroom, but in collective action by workers. So we are mobilising workers for a massive strike to resume on March 13, 2023, if the government fails to address our demands.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Reject 100% Salary Increment

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has reiterated its demand for the restoration of teachers’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.00.
In a letter dated 9 January 2022 addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere said a meeting between the Commission and teacher unions should be convened to address teachers’ incapacitation. Wrote Chere:
<blockquote>
We write to remind you that the incapacitation of teachers remains unaddressed and is an obstacle to the efficient discharge of duties by teachers.
As the schools open this January of 2023, Our members have advised us to engage you on the need to restore the salaries to pre-October 2018 figures of USD $540.
As a Trade Union, we are also passionate about the development of the Education sector in our country and we are alarmed by the continued prejudice of learners who continue to suffer, as long as this matter remains unaddressed.
Even the development of our nation is being compromised as each year students with potential do not get the best from their teachers.
We implore your office to give this matter the urgency it deserves.
We reiterate our call for a legitimate conversation between yourselves and bona fide workers’ representatives from the education sector.
</blockquote>

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