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This was after the workers had lost faith in the Government negotiators who were failing to convene a meeting with the union representatives.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu said they were expecting nothing short of a salary increment.
“We expect her (Minister Matibenga) to tell us the Cabinet position over our salaries and how does she intend to avert a possible strike,” he said.
“If we fail to get anything positive then we are definitely going to take action, but we won’t reveal what kind of action.”
Teachers Union of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Manuel Nyawo said they would strike if nothing comes out of the meeting today.
“There is going to be a crippling strike if we don’t get what we want. This inclusive Government will regret come tomorrow,” he said.
Apex Council chairperson Mrs Tendai Chikowore said they needed answers to the problems affecting State workers.
“If they are not solved it would create problems. There is definitely going to be action if our conditions are not met,” she said.
PTUZ secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe said his chances of attending today’s meeting were low.
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The union had already declared a strike.
“It would be by luck if we are represented at the meeting. There is no point in meeting Matibenga when the people with the finances are not there,” he said.
“We don’t want to waste time, but to take action that will force Government to meet our demands.”
Despite the strike threats, most schools were operational except for some schools where pupils were denied access into the premises for non-payment of school fees.
At North Park Primary School in Mt Pleasant pupils who had not paid fees were barred from attending classes.
The situation was the same at Marlborough Primary School.
Teachers interviewed said they hoped today’s meeting would break the salary impasse.
At Glen Norah I High School a teacher said: “As you can see it’s the first day of the term and we are still trying to put everything in order.
“Most teachers have reported for duty but we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s meeting. It is the one that will tell us the way forward.”
Civil servants have been battling for an acceptable salary increment since the introduction of the multi-currency regime in 2009.
Online Reporter