By Samuel Muzhingi

Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has demanded for the reinstatement of the right to negotiate salary increments at the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), citing growing dissatisfaction within Zimbabwe’s teaching fraternity.
As schools reopened for the second term of 2024, educators face financial strain due to insufficient salaries.
ZIMTA President Akuneni Maphosa stated in a statement, “We demand to have our right restored back to us,” citing the employer’s failure to respond to calls for salary discussions during the customary first-quarter negotiations at NJNC.
Despite ZIMTA’s attempts to engage in dialogue, educators feel their right to collective bargaining is being compromised. Maphosa emphasized dissatisfaction with the employer’s reluctance to convene meetings to address salary concerns, noting the impact on educators’ ability to cope with rising living costs.
ZIMTA highlighted the crucial role of motivated and well-compensated teachers in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 and urged the employer to address grading system disparities.
ZIMTA urged the employer to set a meeting date for salary review, stressing the importance of fair compensation for educators.
“Access to quality public education is a right of every Zimbabwean Citizen,” affirmed President Maphosa.