By Staff Reporter

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), has resolved to join the ongoing nurses strike and is exploring on ways collaborate with other broader labour bodies for a general strike to push the government to address prevailing economic conditions that have rendered civil servants incapacitated.

In a statement, the union said the prevailing economic conditions have rendered civil servants incapacitated, undermining their ability to effectively discharge their professional duties.

“Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), having convened and received submissions from its leadership and membership across all provinces, expresses grave concern over the escalating cost of living, particularly the sharp increase in transport costs and the stagnation of wages within the civil service,” said the union.

ARTUZ is now weighing options and interventions to effectively advocate for wage review, transport subsidies, collective action, and urgent engagement with the employer.

ARTUZ is planning a nationwide “Walk to Work” campaign scheduled for 31 March to highlight civil servants’ incapacitation. It will also engage in joint actions with nurses and collaborate with broader labour bodies to explore the possibility of a general strike.

The union said it would:- “Implement partial incapacitation (two days per week), withdrawal from non-essential duties, and escalation to full strike action if necessary; Demand urgent government engagement on salary review, transport subsidies, and fuel cost interventions and Mobilise citizens to sign the online petition for civil servants’ salary review and finalize the report on the Teachers’ Basket of Needs”.

ARTUZ warned government that while it remains unwavering in its commitment to defending civil servants’ rights it would not hesitate to escalate actions if demands are ignored.