Striking teachers to go without pay

Harare (New Ziana) – Government will enforce a no work, no pay policy following increased incidences of teachers not reporting for duty.

The government and its employees have been locked in salary negotiations since the beginning of the year with workers insisting on poverty datum line-based salaries, but the employer citing limited capacity, has promised to stagger salary increments.

Despite the undertakings by government, teachers have disregarded the promise and embarked on a go-slow, while others have stopped reporting for duty completely.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had deliberated on the situation obtaining in government schools.

“Cabinet was informed that the number of teachers reporting for duty had decreased. It is further noted that some of those reporting for duty are not teaching,” she said.

“Cabinet wishes to reiterate that negotiations for improved conditions of service remain open under the National Joint Negotiating Council and that the no work, no pay policy will be strictly enforced.”

Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa said government had reinforced COVID-19 surveillance system following reported outbreaks in schools.

She said cabinet was informed that last week, outbreaks were reported at two boarding schools, namely: St. Davids Bonda Girls School, in Manicaland and Embakwe High School in Plumtree.

“One hundred and forty-five and 91 learners tested positive, respectively. Government would like to re-assure the Nation that the situation is under control and all the cases are mild and asymptomatic.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is testing and vaccinating members in the adjoining communities where the schools are located. All those found positive have been quarantined,” she said.

“The Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education and Health and Child Care have intensified enforcement of the COVID-19 standard operating procedures in all schools and those found violating COVID-19 preventive measures will be sanctioned.”
New Ziana