Zimbabwe’s largest teachers union said its 42,000 members won’t report for work next week because they’re not being paid enough. Union members say they want a COVID-19 pay allowance and in addition to a pay raise.
Schools are scheduled to reopen on Sept. 28 after a six-month shut down because of the coronavirus.
Surging inflation and changes to the nation’s currency regime have eroded the value of teachers’ salaries to between $30 and $35 a month, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association said in an emailed statement Monday. Most of them are unable to meet their living costs, it said.
“All educators will not be able to report for duty on Sept. 28 for the opening of schools as they are incapacitated,” the association said.
The body wants members to be paid $520 plus sector-specific allowances. Annual inflation in Zimbabwe is currently at 761%, the country is facing shortages of foreign currency and half the population of almost 15 million people is estimated to be in need of food aid.
Public sector workers in Zimbabwe have frequently gone on strike since 2018 as the local currency has tumbled, fuelling inflation and eroding incomes.
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Zimbabwe’s economy was already battling runaway inflation while millions face hunger due to poor harvests.
Two weeks ago, nurses ended a three-month job boycott to give negotiations a chance.
Story compiled with assistance from Reuters and Bloomberg Africa
