Zimbabwe’s main public sector union has backed down from plans for a national strike, citing the volatile situation after security forces cracked down on protesters this month, but teachers will go ahead with a work stoppage. The Zimbabwe Teachers Union (ZIMTA) and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said in a joint statement on Thursday that their more than 55,000 members will not report for duty from next Tuesday, exposing a split between the education sector and the rest of the civil service. A ZIMTA official said other smaller teachers’ groups would likely join the strike. According to Reuters wage negotiations between the government and the Apex Council, which represents 17 public sector unions, broke down on Wednesday. Zimbabweans say Mnangagwa is failing to deliver on pre-election promises to provide accessible health and education and jobs to the majority, leading to growing frustration that analysts say could trigger further unrest.

Source: Nigerian Tribune January 31, 2019 17:48 UTC