ARTUZ signals possible general strike, backs nurses amid cost-of-living crisis

Nurses on strike, highlighting healthcare challenges

HARARE – The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced plans to collaborate with striking nurses and other labour groups, raising the prospect of a broader general strike over worsening economic conditions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 24, the union cited rising living costs, particularly escalating transport expenses and stagnant civil service wages, as key drivers behind the planned industrial action. ARTUZ said the economic pressures are increasingly affecting teachers’ ability to perform their duties effectively.

The union revealed that its leadership has adopted a phased approach to industrial action, beginning with partial disruptions before escalating if demands are not met.

Measures include:

• Two-day weekly work stoppages

• Withdrawal from non-essential duties

• Possible escalation to a full-scale strike

Labour analysts say such coordinated action could significantly impact public services if other unions join in.

“A cross-sector strike involving teachers and nurses would place considerable pressure on the government to respond,” said Harare-based labour economist Gift Mugano.

ARTUZ confirmed it is engaging with striking nurses and exploring joint action with other labour bodies, signalling growing solidarity across the public sector. The move comes as health workers have also raised concerns over poor remuneration and working conditions, with some already undertaking industrial action.

The union is demanding urgent dialogue with authorities, particularly on salary adjustments and transport support.

“We are calling for immediate engagement with the government to review wages and introduce transport subsidies,” the union said.

Teachers argue that current earnings have been eroded by inflation and rising costs, leaving many struggling to commute to work.

Zimbabwe’s civil servants have repeatedly raised concerns about declining real incomes, as inflation and service costs continue to rise. Economists warn that failure to address these concerns could lead to prolonged disruptions in essential services such as education and healthcare.

“Industrial unrest is often a reflection of deeper economic imbalances,” said Mugano. “Without meaningful intervention, the situation could escalate.”

With ARTUZ signalling readiness to escalate action and build alliances, attention now turns to the government’s response and whether negotiations can avert a broader shutdown. For now, the threat of a coordinated general strike underscores growing pressure within Zimbabwe’s public sector workforce.

ARTUZ strike Zimbabwe