TEACHERS are fuming over non-payment of the local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), component of salaries and November 2024 bonuses amid threats of a strike if no urgent remedy is taken.
One of the representative unions has issued an ultimatum to the government to resolve the impasse within five days or risk facing a strike or legal consequences.
In a statement Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Zimbabwe Teachers' Association (ZIMTA) president, Akuneni Maphosa expressed frustration over the latest affront, which came as a surprise to already struggling government workers.
"The teaching fraternity, and the rest of the civil servants, writes to formally express profound concern and dissatisfaction with the employer's failure to pay the local currency (ZiG) component for our November 2024 salary and bonus.
"This omission has caused significant financial hardships and raised serious questions on the fairness, transparency and integrity of the employer's commitment to honouring contractual obligations," said Maphosa.
He said Treasury must display its sincerity by immediately depositing outstanding salaries and bonuses or risk the spectre of a crippling strike
"Should this issue remain unresolved within five days, we reserve the right to escalate the matter through appropriate channels, including seeking legal recourse or considering collective action," the ZIMTA president warned.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, as head of the Treasury, is expected to urgently disburse the full ZiG component of the November 2024 salary and bonus and issue an explanation for why teachers failed to get their money. The union also demands dialogue before pertinent decisions regarding their welfare are made.
"The ZiG component is a fundamental part of our agreed-upon remuneration package. Its exclusion from the November 2024 payments constitutes a breach of the terms of employment and an erosion of trust between employees and the employer," Maphosa added.
The umbrella teachers' body noted that the absence of the ZiG salary and bonus payment has depleted morale among educators, who are now in a quandary.
"The absence of this payment has left many teachers unable to meet their financial obligations, particularly at a time when economic pressures are heightened, and end-of-year expenses are critical," Maphosa said.
Zimbabwe's civil servants are facing frustration as government has pointed out that 2024 annual bonuses will be paid in staggered instalments.
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The unilateral move comes amid ongoing economic challenges and dissatisfaction among workers, who rely heavily on these payments.
The first instalment, constituting 50 percent of the total bonus, will be paid alongside November salaries, while the remaining half is scheduled for disbursement in December.
The payment process will prioritise those in the security services, followed by workers in the health sector, education, and eventually the broader civil service.
Cecilia Alexander, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, confirmed the staggered payment plan in an interview with State media.
