Teachers Give Government 14-Day Ultimatum Over Pay, Warn of School Disruptions

Teachers in Zimbabwe have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to review salaries, warning that schools may fail to reopen this month if their demands are not addressed. The move, led by the Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ), adds to growing pressure on authorities amid widening labour unrest in the public sector. It follows recent protests by nurses and other civil servants over wages and working conditions.

In a letter addressed to the Public Service Commission, EUZ said teachers are dissatisfied with the latest salary adjustments announced in April, arguing that they do not reflect the rising cost of living. EUZ Secretary General Tapedza Zhou said the current pay structure has effectively eroded real earnings.

“The US$320 uniform base across all grades is clear wage compression. The ZiG component is unstable and erodes real income,” Zhou said. “Salary structure does not match the cost of living, which is largely indexed in USD. Therefore, the conclusion from members is clear: There was no meaningful salary increment in real terms.”

Zimbabwean teachers are currently paid a combination of local currency (ZiG) and a smaller United States dollar component, a system unions say leaves workers vulnerable to currency fluctuations and inflation.

In a separate statement, EUZ spokesperson Herzel Mushayabasa outlined the union’s demands, calling for a comprehensive restructuring of salaries and allowances.

“The Union is calling for a significant review of the salary structure, with an increased and differentiated USD component, full payment of the US$80 teaching allowance in USD, and immediate suspension of the current grading system pending stakeholder engagement,” Mushayabasa said.

He added that teachers also want the reinstatement of key allowances, including housing, transport, and rural incentives, which have been eroded over time.

“The Union has given the employer a 14-day window to respond. Should there be no meaningful engagement or resolution, members have indicated their intention to take further action, including incapacitation and legal recourse,” he said.

The ultimatum raises the prospect of disruptions to the school calendar, particularly if teachers follow through with threats of incapacitation, a form of industrial action where workers report inability to work due to inadequate pay.

Education analysts warn that prolonged disputes could negatively affect learning outcomes, especially as Zimbabwe’s public education system continues to grapple with resource constraints.

“Teacher morale is closely linked to performance in classrooms,” said a Harare-based education expert. “If the dispute escalates, it could impact attendance, syllabus coverage and examination preparedness.”

The dispute also highlights broader economic challenges facing civil servants, many of whom argue that salaries have not kept pace with the cost of basic goods and services, most of which are priced in US dollars.

Authorities have yet to publicly respond to the ultimatum, but previous engagements between government and unions have often centred on balancing fiscal constraints with demands for improved wages. EUZ said it remains open to dialogue but stressed that urgent action is needed to protect the welfare and professional dignity of teachers.

“EUZ remains committed to constructive engagement, but the concerns raised by members must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” Mushayabasa said.

Zimbabwe teachers salary dispute