Make Reasonable Demands Teachers Told

Teachers’ unions need to be realistic in their engagements with the Government over salaries, taking into consideration the present economic challenges, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said yesterday when a team of ministers met the unions.

Concerns have been noted and would be taken to President Mnangagwa and Cabinet for further deliberations.

Yesterday, a team of ministers met unions to address their concerns after teachers had complained that their salaries were too low.

Some teachers have not reported for duty since examination classes reopened on September 28, while others are understood to be conducting illegal private lessons and demanding a premium.

Teacher representatives are calling for a minimum salary of US$520 or the equivalent at the auction rate.

However, Government has indicated that it would be unable to pay in US dollars given that it has reintroduced the local currency.

“They have raised their concerns and we are taking these concerns to the President and Cabinet. We have heard their concerns, but we also appealed to them to be realistic in their concerns and consider the economic conditions prevailing in the country.

“The salary negotiations between the Government and the National Joint Negotiating Council are ongoing. But Government decided to cushion its workers, while waiting for these negotiations to be finalised and the appeal to civil servants is to be patient while waiting for the outcome,” said Professor Mavima.

Last week, Treasury paid a 40 percent cost of living salary adjustment to cushion civil servants, while waiting for the completion of negotiations with unions over pay and other employment terms. The Herald