Zimbabwe: Teachers suspend nationwide strike February 10 /update 1

Event

Unions representing teachers in Zimbabwe announced they had suspended a nationwide strike on Sunday, February 10. The strike, which began on Tuesday, February 5, was reportedly suspended following the reopening of negotiations between union representatives and government officials. Further strikes and associated demonstrations are possible in the coming weeks should negotiations break down. 

Context

There are an estimated 100,000 public school teachers in Zimbabwe. Teachers held multiple protests and strikes in early January 2019 to demand to be paid in US dollars. The country has been experiencing deteriorating economic conditions for more than a year along with a more recent fuel shortage and surge in commodity prices.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any related public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.