Members of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe went on strike Monday though the union’s 14-day warning to the government had not yet expired.
Teachers belonging to the union are reporting for duty, but not giving instruction, said PTUZ sources. Members of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, considered closer to the government, said they awaited guidance from organizers before taking action.
But a ZIMTA official ruled out a strike, saying the association is still in discussions with the government. The PTUZ wants a minimum salary of Z$15 million (US$70) a month compared with Z$2.9 million at present, plus a Z$4 million housing allowance and a Z$5.2 million allowance to meet skyrocketing transportation costs.
The PTUZ strike notice officially runs out September 17.
Asked why his members went on strike early, PTUZ General Secretary Raymond Majongwe told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the teachers could not postpone their financial distress any longer.
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