Zimbabwe Telegraph
2 September 2009
By Getrude Gumede
HARARE – Most teachers did not report for duty when schools opened for the third term on Wednesday despite pleas from Government and two of their unions for them to take classes while their grievances are being looked into.
The teachers who are demanding better salaries and review of their working conditions said they will only return to work when their grievances have been addressed.
The Government immediately described the action as regrettable and urged them to return to work while it addresses their grievances.
Most teachers returned home in the mid-morning after holding brief meetings at their respective schools.
The secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), Richard Gundani on Wednesday said teachers countrywide had heeded the association’s call for them to down tools save for a few teachers in the rural areas, who had not received official communication.
He said the teachers wanted the re-introduction of the US$100 allowance and a basic salary, which would be progressively increased until it reaches US$500 by December. “The strike has started countrywide. In Harare and other cities such as Mutare and Bulawayo, teachers went to their respective schools to confirm the official communication regarding the strike. Most went home after confirming the association’s position regarding the industrial action.
“Some teachers, who are working in the rural areas did not go to work because they were assessing the situation in the cities while most of our members, who are in the rural areas phoned us to get direction. We have informed them that the strike is on, so they will not be reporting for duty.
“We don’t expect teachers to be at work until they receive a go-ahead from us. The introduction of salaries was a good idea but we want them to be reviewed progressively until it reaches US$500, which is in line with the bread basket.
“The allowances were also good and we want them to be re-introduced,†said Gundani.
The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart said the action by teachers was regrettable and unfortunate as the Government was doing everything in its power to address their grievances.
“I’m very disappointed with the teachers. Their action is prejudicing children and this is unfair. We understand that they have challenges but we are trying to alleviate that. We would want them to be patient as we try to find a solution to the problem,†he said.
Coltart said he tried to meet officials from the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) to discuss the matter but they refused.
He however said he was still willing to negotiate with the teachers to find a solution to the impasse.
Gundani said they had given Coltart reasons as to why they refused to meet him on Tuesday.
Coltart instead met officials from the Progressive Teachers Union (PTUZ) and Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (TUZ).