Key Points
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University of Zimbabwe suspends union leaders demanding fair wages.
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ARTUZ condemns the suspensions, calling them an attack on workers’ rights.
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ARTUZ demands that UZ management reverse the suspensions and engage in dialogue with the AUT.
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) faces accusations of abusing its disciplinary processes to punish and intimidate union leaders who are demanding fair salaries for lecturers.
The issue arose after the recent suspension of several members of the Association of University Teachers (AUT) at the university.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) expressed full support for the suspended union leaders.
ARTUZ condemned UZ management, accusing them of attempting to suppress dissent and silence labour activism.
Suspended leaders criticized for advocating fair wages
ARTUZ strongly criticized the suspension of AUT President Phillemon Munyaradzi Chamburuka and fellow union leaders Borncase Mwakorera, Obvious Vengeyi, Justin Tandire, and Munyaradzi Gwisai.
According to ARTUZ, these educators were not suspended for misconduct, but for their efforts to organize and demand fair wages that reflect their work’s dignity.
“It is appalling that UZ management has used disciplinary processes to intimidate and punish union leaders. Instead of engaging with the AUT’s demands for fair salaries, UZ management chose to silence them,” ARTUZ said.
The union called for the immediate reversal of the suspensions and demanded meaningful dialogue with UZ’s management.
ARTUZ stands firm for workers’ rights
ARTUZ condemned the suspensions as an attack on workers’ rights, academic freedom, and the right to freedom of association. They called the actions an authoritarian attempt to crush labour organizing in higher education.
“The demand for living wages is righteous, not disruptive,” ARTUZ stated. “The real disruption comes from UZ management’s refusal to address salary erosion.”
ARTUZ further emphasized that education cannot thrive in an environment where educators face punishment for standing up for fair treatment. “This attack on AUT is an attack on all educators across the country,” the union added.
ARTUZ demands action
ARTUZ reiterated its support for AUT and expressed solidarity with the suspended leaders. “Your fight is our fight. Your resilience inspires all underpaid and overworked teachers in Zimbabwe,” the union declared. ARTUZ also called for the Higher and Tertiary Education Ministry to intervene and protect the rights of lecturers.
