By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Teachers Remuneration Struggle Movement (ZTRS) has called for action to demand better salaries and representation for teachers across Zimbabwe ahead of schools reopening next week.
Interim President of ZTRS Zvikomborero Nyabadza said in a statement released on May 9, 2025, teachers were not supposed to report for work on the school opening day as a form of protest against poor salaries they were getting.
“As the second term approaches, teachers across Zimbabwe are gearing up for a show of strength and solidarity. On May 13, 2025, the scheduled opening day and until our demands are resolved, we the teachers of the Republic of Zimbabwe are being urged to stay away from work in protest of poor salaries and inadequate union representation.
“For far too long, teachers have struggled to make ends meet due to meagre salaries that have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Despite their crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, teachers have been left behind in terms of compensation and support.
“By staying away from work on May 13 until our grievances are met, teachers can send a strong message that they will no longer be silenced or ignored. It’s now time to see a dignified professional teacher and it starts with this collective action. The choice is yours but one thing is clear the time for change is now,” said Nyabadza.
Nyabadza added the situation was now being worsened by unions which were failing to represent their interests and demanded that teachers be respected in the country because of their duties.
“The situation is further exacerbated by the perceived ineffectiveness of teacher unions, which have failed to adequately represent the interests of their members. Instead of fighting for better working conditions and salaries, these unions seem to be more interested in collecting subscriptions than advocating for the rights of teachers.
“This stay-away is a call to action, a chance for teachers to stand together and demand better from their employers and union representatives. It’s time for teachers to be valued and respected for the critical role they play in society,” he said.
Nyabadza said the movement was not aligned to any union or political party but called on others to join the movement.
“Our movement is not aligned to any union or political party but we are inviting unions to come on board for a collective bargain.
“I talked to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo this morning and he humbly assured me to address this as a matter of urgency when we informed him about downing tools,” said Nyabadza.
