THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has mobilised members across the country to participate in the August 31 workplace protests called for by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

ARTUZ information dept

We have identified education offices as our workplace since schools are closed. We will be protesting against poverty and demanding USD$520 as monthly salary fromn our employer.

The August 31 protest marks the beginning of weekly Monday protests aimed at pushing employers to pay salaries in United States dollars.

We will further leverage on the weekly protest to build working class consciousness and unity ahead of the September 23 Global Action Day.

It should be noted that these protests are not only confined to employed workers, we invite the broad working class to protest against poverty.

Those who are unemployed and those retired on a pittance all constitute the broad working class.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa ED following in Mugabe’s steps United States dollars

We are pleased to note that the students movement and the peasants have pledged to join the action. Students welfare is dependent on the salaries of the parents.

Peasants on the other hand are being short-changed at the market place as they are forced to accept payment in local currency for their produce.

The government is encouraged to play ball by urgently restoring US dollar salaries for all civil servants and set a good precedence for private sector.

The State is urged to desist from using excessive force against nonviolent protesters. The use of force is tainting brand Zimbabwe.

We call upon the working class across the country to join the August 31 protests and send a clear message to employers and government. Protesters should adhere to all COVID-19 regulations.

We thank the international community for your unwavering solidarity with the working class of Zimbabwe, we look forward to your usual support as we enter this next phase of our struggle.