By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has joined the growing opposition to Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, while announcing plans for protests to demand a US$1,260 monthly salary for teachers and reforms to the Public Service Act.
Resolutions were adopted by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) at its meeting on Saturday.
ARTUZ said it would join the People’s Coalition to campaign against the constitutional amendments signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa after Parliament approved the controversial legislation.
The amendments, which include extending the terms of office for future members of Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years and changing the procedure for filling a vacancy in the office of president, have been welcomed by Zanu PF but condemned by opposition parties, labour unions and civil society organisations, which argue they erode constitutional democracy.
ARTUZ also resolved to organise protests at Parliament demanding amendments to the Public Service Act to bring it into line with the 2013 Constitution.
The union wants the Act to explicitly guarantee public servants the right to strike and engage in collective bargaining.
“We question why Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 was rushed through Parliament in a fortnight while alignment of the Public Service Act with the Constitution has been delayed for years,” the union said.
On salaries, the union said it would hold routine demonstrations at government offices until teachers are paid a minimum salary of US$1,260 per month.
Teachers’ unions have repeatedly accused the government of failing to pay a living wage, arguing that inflation and exchange rate losses have significantly reduced the value of public sector salaries.
ARTUZ also announced the launch of a “Bridge to Belonging” campaign to support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
The campaign will create a database of returning teachers and learners to facilitate their reintegration into Zimbabwe’s education system.
ARTUZ further pledged solidarity with Cuba, condemning the long-running United States economic embargo and describing it as unjust.
The resolutions signal an escalation of ARTUZ’s confrontation with the government over constitutional reforms, labour rights and teachers’ welfare.
