Govt ripping off teachers: Zimta

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THE Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) has claimed the government is not remitting union subscriptions and other money it deducts from salaries of its members to various service providers.

THE Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) has claimed the government is not remitting union subscriptions and other money it deducts from salaries of its members to various service providers.

NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER

Zimta president Richard Gundani said teachers would fail to access various services as a result, and condemned the failure to remit deductions as unlawful under international labour laws.

“As the most representative teachers’ union in Zimbabwe, it has come to our attention that the government has been deducting, from our members’ salaries, money for union subscriptions, loan repayments and others, without the same being remitted to the relevant authorities, particularly for the month of February 2015,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“Such action from the government is unlawful and has fatal consequences on the employee’s welfare’s as well as his or her survival as he or she will fail to access certain services which rely on the remittance or payment of monthly dues, to relevant service providers.”

Public Service Minister, Prisca Mupfumira could not be reached to comment on allegations that government failed to remit union subscription deductions and other money to service providers.

Gundane, however, said the government should remit the deductions, as they are essential to the welfare of teachers.

“Non-remittance of union dues is a blatant attack on the right to organise as well as freedom of association, which are enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe as well as in the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Conventions on Freedom of Association and protection of the right to organise.

“As a matter of right, we demand the government remits all deductions made on teachers’ salaries, meant for their welfare and labour representation and we further demand these to be effected immediately to allow the teachers to access normal services in workers’ rights representation,” he said.