admin
on another five-day industrial action next week.
This follows their one-day strike yesterday.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Apex Council chairperson and Zimta Mrs Tendai Chikowore, said workers should report for duty today for feedback and mobilisation.
Apex Council brings together four civil servants unions, Zimta, Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the Public Service Association.
Mrs Chikowore claimed the countrywide strike had made a “statement” by recording a 70 percent success.
“Today, (yesterday) we have reached a critical milestone as public officers in Zimbabwe,” she said. “Indeed, we have made a statement and as we roll into next week, we shall build on today’s success. We have resolved to scale up our struggle by executing a five-day strike from Monday to Friday next week. The burden is now with Government to act reasonably and avoid prolonged confrontation.
ALSO SEE
She said there was no formal communication from the employer by late yesterday.
“This just shows their insincerity. We thank those who have heeded the call and believe the same spirit will characterise our next course of action.”
TUZ chief executive, Mr Manuel Nyawo, said the strike had sent a strong warning to Government.
“Now the fire has finally been ignited and no amount of force or intimidation can stop us. The barometer reading across Government institutions can tell how volatile and explosive the situation can be if Government fails to address our concerns,” he said.
PTUZ secretary general, Mr Raymond Majongwe, said the strike was not political. “This is not politics. The workers of Zimbabwe do not eat from political parties. We are just leading, marshalling and representing the workers. We are not going to be divided by any politician until we get what we deserve,” he said.
PSA executive secretary, Mr Emmanuel Tichareva added: “The encouraging response from workers has given us more power to fight for the genuine cause.”
The workers are demanding US$538 for the least paid employee up from US$253.
A survey by the Herald yesterday showed that the industrial action was met with mixed reactions with the education sector being hard hit. At most schools pupils were sent home as early as 8 am. In some cases the pupils were playing outside classrooms with no teachers attending to them.
There was no sign of activity at Glen Norah I High School with pupils saying only student teachers had reported for duty. “There is no one in the staffroom except the headmaster and the deputy. We have been told the teachers are on strike,” said one pupil.
The same situation prevailed at Mutasa and Nyandoro Primary schools in Highfield.
In Chitungwiza, pupils were also turned away in the morning.
However, classes went on as usual at David Livingstone and North Park Primary School. Teachers also conducted lessons at Queen Elizabeth High school.
Workers at most Government departments also reported for duty.
Online Reporter