WASHINGTON DC —
The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has written to the International Labour Organization (ILO) complaining about what it says is the government’s continued contravention of labour laws, the politicization of the classrooms and related issues.
In its letter written Monday, the union said it is not happy with the recently adopted draft constitution which it says falls below its members’ labour expectations.
The teachers’ union also said it is unhappy about the de-harmonization of labour laws governing civil servants and private sector workers, the government’s failure to recognise the Apex Council leadership and stagnant civil servant salaries.
The PTUZ also claims that political parties in the inclusive government continue to invade schools for political purposes with teachers being harassed and bullied.
This is not the first time that a Zimbabwean labour organisation has raised complaints to ILO. A few years ago the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions wrote to the world labour body resulting in a commission of inquiry into labour issues in Zimbabwe.
Recommendations were made to the government but are yet to be implemented.
PTUZ general secretary Raymond Majongwe said they expect ILO to engage Zimbabwe on the issues they raised during the next ILO conference in June this year.
