University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers have joined teachers in taking industrial action as they demand better salaries from the government.
The Association of University Teachers (AUT-UZ), University Teachers Association (UTA-UZ) and University Technicians Association (UTA –UZ) last week wrote a letter to the University’s Vice Chancellor advising him of their decision to go on strike.
“As a follow up to the workers council meeting held on 20 January 2022 at which we presented our members’ deteriorating welfare conditions, we held a meeting as staff association representatives to reflect on the continued erosion of the real value of our earnings,” read the letter.
“The lowest paid employee at the university earns a net wage of ZW$21 000, meanwhile according to ZimStats data published in December 2021, the total consumption poverty line based on the cheapest food and non-food basket was ZW$8 009 per person per month or ZW$48 054 per month for a family of six.
“In view of the above factors, we would like to let you know that our members are with immediate effect not able to come to work because of incapacitation. As we stated at the workers council meeting, UZ employees are willing and ready to contribute towards the realisation of education.
This is possible when employees’ welfare and rights are taken care of,” the letter stated.
In the letter, the Lecturers also pointed out how the prices of basic commodities and services such as fuel, school fees and other needs have increased in the country while their current salaries haven’t kept up.
“When schools opened early this month, schools fees, the prices of stationery, fuel, transport fares and other increased.
This further diminished the value of our wages and consequently our members are severely incapacitated.” Said the lecturers.
Teachers have also not been reporting for work since schools opened on the 7th of February demanding a salary increment.
