Teachers’ Unions Clash Over Strike Threat as Salary Crisis Worsens

By Loyd Matare

Zimbabwe’s largest teacher union, the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA), has distanced itself from a planned March 28 nationwide strike, criticizing the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) for what it describes as reckless mobilization tactics.

With teachers growing increasingly frustrated over stagnant wages and deteriorating economic conditions, ARTUZ has called for mass action, demanding a salary review in line with rising inflation.

However, ZIMTA Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera dismissed ARTUZ’s approach, questioning the legitimacy and capacity of the union to organize meaningful protests.

“ARTUZ is a body corporate, capable of being sued or suing, but when you look at their membership, some of these institutions have less than 100 members, and some even less than 1,000,” Taderera said.

He emphasized that ZIMTA and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) are the only unions with substantial membership numbers, which means their decisions carry greater risk and responsibility.

“We cannot afford to make careless decisions that we are unable to manage. By virtue of ARTUZ planning a demonstration, that does not compel us to do the same.

“We will conduct our own analysis and consult our membership before making an informed decision,” Taderera added.

Despite ZIMTA’s criticism, ARTUZ remains adamant that teachers must take radical action to force the government to act.

The union accused authorities of neglecting their duty to review civil servants’ salaries quarterly, a practice that has not been upheld in 2025.

“For years, the government has reviewed salaries quarterly. However, as the first quarter of 2025 comes to an end, the employer has completely ignored all calls for a salary adjustment,” ARTUZ said in a statement.

Currently, the lowest-paid teacher earns around USD 300, an amount ARTUZ argues is far below the minimum living wage.

In this regard, the union is demanding a salary of USD 1,260, citing skyrocketing inflation and the ever-increasing cost of basic goods.

ARTUZ also slammed the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), calling it an unconstitutional structure controlled by “yellow unions” that fail to represent workers’ true interests.

“Enough is enough—teachers deserve a living wage! If the government fails to act, we will have no choice but to shut down schools nationwide,” ARTUZ declared.

Meanwhile, the government has reportedly scheduled a stakeholder workshop to address salary concerns, which will culminate in an NJNC meeting.

Taderera said ZIMTA will wait for the outcome of these discussions before taking any action.

“We will cross the bridge when we get there. If ARTUZ calls for a demonstration, it’s up to them to manage it. But for us, it may not be wise to follow what other unions are saying simply because they have said so,” he said.