Teachers call off strike after massive wage hike

Teachers call off strike after massive wage hike

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THOUSANDS of teachers in Zimbabwe's state schools have ended a three-week strike after being awarded a 754% salary increase by the government, their union said on Friday.

"We urge teachers to return to work," said Raymond Majongwe, secretary general of the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe, calling the salary increase a victory for teachers and the nation.

Majongwe said the government agreed to hike the monthly teachers' salary to Z$3,4-billion ($115 300 at the official rate, but just $115 at the widely used black market rate), up from Z$369-million.

About 100 000 teachers walked off the job countrywide three weeks ago, demanding a salary review and better working conditions.

The action led to some schools, especially in the capital, Harare, advising pupils to stay home. Those who attended spent most of their time on playgrounds or in self-arranged study groups as teachers either stayed at home or gathered in staff rooms.

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe's embattled President Robert Mugabe said his government had awarded civil servants a huge pay rise ahead of joint presidential and legislative elections set for March 29.

Mugabe, 84, who is seeking a sixth term in office, also awarded salary increases to members of the security forces last month.

While welcoming the increases, Majongwe expressed concern at the government's failure to review housing and transport allowances.

"The reluctance by the employer to increase the transport and housing allowances while significantly reviewing the basic salary is motivated by the government's desire to tax teachers at 47,5%. This will seriously erode the gains accruing from the salary review."

Majongwe added that "whichever party will form the next government after the March election should brace for our uncompromising mood".

The Southern African country is in the midst of an economic crisis marked by the world's highest inflation rate of 100 580%, widespread food shortages and 80% unemployment.

Teachers are migrating in droves to neighbouring Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa, many taking menial jobs to earn money to support their families back home. -- Sapa-AFP

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