Political Correspondent
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is urging its members to take sick leave on the first day of school, citing a mental health crisis exacerbated by low salaries.
The union demands a minimum salary of US$1,260, the right to strike, and improved working conditions.
“We are facing a mental health crisis due to the incapacitation crisis. Teachers are struggling to make ends meet, and it’s affecting their mental well-being,” said ARTUZ in a statement.
The union provided a template for teachers to write “sick leave” letters to school heads, detailing their struggles with mental health.
“I will seek mental health support from experts as I prepare for the third term. The outcome of the therapy will be advised at the end of the day,” reads the letter.
ARTUZ criticized “fake revolutionaries” who have abandoned the teachers’ cause, saying “the battle lines are no longer blurred, we can now clearly see all the enemy forces on one side as we build workers’ power in this protracted struggle for teacher dignity.”
The union outlined specific demands, including:
- A minimum salary of US$1,260
- The right to strike
- Disbanding of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC)
- A moratorium on education levies for all learners during the drought season
- Invigilation allowances for all teachers
“The quality of education will suffer if teachers’ mental health and financial stability are not prioritized,” warned ARTUZ.
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