Harare- In the wake of a deadlock between Teachers’ union organisations and the Government has castigated the government over what they say is dragging its feet over its delay in establishing a Collective Bargaining body instead of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).

Addressing Journalists at Africa Unity Square in Harare a joint statement by Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) the NJNC is unconstitutional.

“Section 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe provides for Collective Bargaining as a fundamental right for the working people. Collective bargaining is broader and inclusive of a wide section of the working people of Zimbabwe. However, nearly six years after the adoption of the constitution government has dragged its feet with regard to establishing this body, opting for maintaining the exclusive narrow, minimalist and unconstitutional NJNC route” said the statement

The unions said they will not part of the process and outcome of the NJNC and they are not in any kind of job action or strike.

“We note that Statutory Instrument 141 of 1997 Public Service (Joint Negotiating Council) Regulations is ultra vires to section 65 of the constitution. ARTUZ and PTUZ thus distance themselves from both the process and outcomes of the NJNC.

“Teachers of Zimbabwe have not yet engaged on collective job action or strike of any kind. They are however currently incapacitated to return to their work stations as their incomes have been eroded by increases in the costs of basic services” said the teachers

The teachers also warned the Government against destroying the education sector through mishandling of teachers working conditions.