FOZEU outraged by court dismissal

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union has expressed deep disappointment and frustration following the High Court's decision to dismiss its application seeking to enforce collective bargaining as the legitimate negotiating process for Zimbabwean civil servants.

The union criticized the court for failing to delve into the merits of its case, arguing that existing legislation, particularly the Public Service Act, contradicts the constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to collective bargaining. FOZEU maintained that there is a live dispute between civil servants and the government regarding salaries and working conditions, citing its demands for a restoration of pre-2018 salaries and a fair wage of US$1,260.The union also accused the government of using the National Joint Negotiating Council as a sham platform to avoid genuine negotiations. FOZEU contends that the NJNC is an illegally constituted entity and has called for its dissolution.

In response to the court's ruling, FOZEU has vowed to intensify its efforts to secure the rights of civil servants. The union plans to engage in "a massive push back from below," including a boycott of the NJNC and lobbying for amendments to the Public Service Act to incorporate the right to collective bargaining, a fair wage, and the right to strike.