Staff Reporter
The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has officially rejected the recent Job Evaluation (JE) outcomes released by the Public Service Commission (PSC), voicing strong opposition to what it calls a flawed, exclusionary process.
In a statement, the union condemned the evaluation for sidelining key stakeholders, downgrading teachers’ roles, and lacking a merit-based grading system.
PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the process failed to incorporate input from teachers and educational professionals—a glaring omission given the stakes.
“We believe that any evaluation impacting our members must include their voices and insights,” Zhou said.
The union further highlighted troubling disparities within the grading system, asserting that many teachers faced unwarranted downgrades that undermined their professional standing and contributions to the education sector.
The current grading methodology, they argued, lacked transparency and fairness, fostering a deep sense of disenfranchisement among educators.
In response, PTUZ has called for the immediate suspension of the Job Evaluation process pending a comprehensive review.
The union demands the restoration of previous teacher grades and the establishment of a consultative framework for future salary negotiations—one that genuinely includes all stakeholders.
“The education system cannot flourish without the support and respect for those who dedicate their lives to teaching,” Zhou said.
“We are committed to advocating for our members’ rights and ensuring that their hard work is recognized and rewarded appropriately.”
As tensions mount over the Job Evaluation outcomes, PTUZ’s stance underscores growing unrest within the education sector and points to an urgent need for reforms rooted in equity and transparency.
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