The Progressive Teacher’s Union of Zimbabwe has come out saying that it’s members will no longer be bothered by following the dress code set out by the Public Service Commission as they are too incapacitated to afford clothes. They argue that because they are now poorly paid, the choice has now come down to whether they should buy suits/dresses or clothes.
Following intensive consultations with the generality of membership on dress code, comrades we are reiterating our position earlier communicated to Public Service Commission that due to serious incapacitation it is increasingly becoming difficult to adhere to the prescribed dress code when on duty.
Unlike everyone else who is getting a dressing allowance, teachers are not getting any support in this regard. We have therefore taken a position to say when reporting for duty put on anything that you can afford except nudity. We cannot afford expensive dresses and suits while our stomachs are empty.
PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe
Teachers and other civil servants have been involved in multiple disputes with the government over remuneration. The current economic crisis has seen inflation rise faster than wages and salaries of most workers.
