adminTeachers who spoke to Chronicle on Monday said they were surprised to discover that they were making monthly contributions to the Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (TUZ), which they did not join.
In separate interviews, the teachers accused the organisation of deducting from their salaries without their approval.
“I am worried about what is happening to my salary. Since the introduction of the multiple currency system in 2009 TUZ has been deducting money from my salary. At first they were taking $2 and now the deduction has increased to $8,” said a female teacher who preferred anonymity.
“I did not join this organisation and I do not know who they are.”
The teachers, who said the deductions would be indicated on their pay slips, said they suspected that there could be a scandal at the Salary Service Bureau (SSB).
“I suspect this is a bogus organisation that works with corrupt officials from the SSB who give them our EC Numbers,” fumed another teacher from a Bulawayo school.
The teachers urged the Government to investigate the union, saying the deductions were unlawful.
Contacted for comment TUZ president Mr Lovemore Mufamba dismissed the accusations, saying it was impossible for the union to deduct money without the members’ approval.
“We once dealt with such cases in the past but we do not have any recent incident unless it is a fabrication. Our operations are legal and there is no way one can make deductions without members’ consent. Under the new SSB guidelines it is not possible for us to deduct any money unless a member has filled a form and submitted it to them indicating consent to the transaction. We actually have about 16 000 members,” said Mr Mufamba.
Online Reporter