ARTUZ Gives Govt 14-Day Ultimatum Over Unlawful Housing Deductions From Teachers

By Staff Reporter 

Harare - The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has issued a 14-day cease and desist ultimatum to the Public Service Commission (PSC) over what it calls unlawful housing deductions from teachers' salaries.

In a letter dated 25 September 2026 addressed to the Chairperson of the PSC, ARTUZ said:

"We write to you on behalf of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and the thousands of rural and urban educators we represent. This correspondence serves as a formal Cease and Desist Ultimatum regarding the immediate and unconditional cessation of the unlawful, unilateral, and economically crippling housing and rental deductions currently being levied against teachers residing in employer-provided institutional accommodation."

The union said it has evidence of the deductions from payslips.

"It has been brought to our attention, backed by irrefutable payslip evidence, that the Public Service Commission is unilaterally docking between USD 150 and USD 200 from educators' salaries as "rental deductions". Concurrently, there are instances where some educators are being subjected to a USD 40 monthly deduction."

ARTUZ said the deductions are unjustified whether big or small.

"Let it be stated unequivocally that whether the deduction is USD 200 or USD 40, these levies are fundamentally unjust, logically absurd, and legally null and void."

"The Government currently pays these educators exactly USD 0.00 in housing allowances. It is a gross violation of basic labor rights and simple arithmetic to deduct housing costs from an employee who is not being paid the corresponding allowance intended to cover such a basic necessity."

According to the letter, the deductions violate Section 65(1) and Section 65(5) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Section 12A(6), Section 12A(7), Section 8 and Section 89(1) of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], as well as the Administrative Justice Act and common law principles of unlawful set-off and unjust enrichment.

ARTUZ is demanding:

1. Immediate cessation of all housing and rental deductions.

2. Full restitution and a clear, binding timeline for retroactive refund.

3. Reinstatement of housing allowances through collective bargaining.

The union said if the PSC fails to comply by 2 October 2026, legal action will follow.

"Should the Public Service Commission fail to comply with these demands by 2 October 2026, ARTUZ will instruct its legal counsel to urgently approach the High Court of Zimbabwe and the Labour Court. We will seek declaratory orders, interdicts to stop the deductions, and orders compelling full refunds with interest and legal costs borne by the Commission."

The letter was copied to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and Minister of Finance and Economic Development.