The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) says they are taking legal action against government over unfair labour practices.
Some teachers did not report for duty when examination classes opened last Monday demanding protective clothing against COVID-19.
In a statement on Friday, Zimta said the association is in a process of taking legal action so as to protect the rights of teachers.
“Zimta has observed with serious concern the statements attributed to Minister Cain Mathema about the welfare of teachers and the intention by government to recruit 25 000 temporary teachers to conduct school examinations,
“The association is in the process of taking urgent legal action in order to protect its members and the generality of the teaching profession and community including the would be temporary teachers from acts designed to undermine the right of teachers against victimisation and the threat to the constitutionally protected right to collective bargaining and decent living standards.” The statement said.
According to the statement, teachers are saddened by the fact that their right to revolt against unfair working conditions was suppressed when Minister Mathema said striking teachers will be replaced.
“The demand by the minister is unconstitutional and in breach of section 65(1) of our Constitution,
“It is the association’s position that an employer cannot compel an employee to work under unsafe conditions with the threat that failure to do so will result in the teachers being replaced by temporary teachers.” They said.
Meanwhile, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema, his Public Service counterpart Professor Paul Mavima and Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube will meet this afternoon in Harare to discuss a way forward for teachers.
