Zimbabwean teacher unions ZIMTA and PTUZ have called the recent salary increase that places teacher salaries at US$155 a month ‘inadequate’ and urged the government to provide a living wage for teachers.
The continuing low salaries and poor working conditions for teachers could force more teachers to abandon the profession, thus increasing teacher shortage and further threatening progress towards Education for All. Teacher unions expressed concern that even with the raise, teachers would be unable to provide for themselves and their families. At current costs, the average Zimbabwean family requires at least three times the increased salary for teachers to meet their basic needs. EI members ZIMTA and PTUZ are questioning government commitment to education spending and have criticised the lack of government consultation with teachers. In a statement issued in June, ZIMTA termed as “indefinite and undependable” the government’s reliance on donor contributions to fund teachers’ salaries. Plans for government spending on cars for MPs have provoked anger across the trade union sector in Zimbabwe. Both teacher unions are urging the government to make education a national priority – believing that taking steps to secure teachers regular salaries that are sufficient is a key strategy for improving the flagging education system.