By Own Correspondent

THE University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers strike continues to rage on, having surpassed a total of 60 days now with no end in sight.

Lecturers have been on industrial action since April, demanding the restoration of their pre-2018 salary levels pegged at US$2,250 per month for junior academic staff. They currently earn about US$230, an amount they say is insufficient in Zimbabwe's inflation-driven economy.

Instead of proffering meaningful solutions, the UZ has instead unleashed anti-labour tactics to stifle the demonstrations following a hybrid of strategic interventions which include withholding salaries and replacing the lecturers with part timers.

Speaking on behalf of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), spokesperson Obvious Vengeyi condemned the salary deductions, accusing the institution of using coercive tactics to end the strike.

"Of course, it is an act of trying to force our members to return to work for the US$230 they initially rejected," Vengeyi said. "It's a way of arm-twisting certain members of our community to resume teaching."

He added that most affected lecturers remained resolute despite not receiving their pay. "Whether they receive the US$230 or not, they will not return. The majority of us have not been paid - yes. But we remain committed. Until junior lecturers get US$2,250, we will not go back to class."

In an attempt to plug staffing gaps caused by the walkout, the university last month hired adjunct lecturers. However, the AUT has rubbished the move, saying the replacements lack the academic qualifications and experience required for university-level teaching.

"There is no teaching happening at the university. No supervision is taking place. A few scabs have been hired to replace - sort of - the lecturers on strike," said Vengeyi.

The stand-off has severely disrupted operations at Zimbabwe's premier higher learning institution. Examinations have been delayed indefinitely, and there are fears that the academic year could be derailed entirely if the deadlock persists.

The government and the UZ have remained quiet over the grave developments indicating the possibility of total mess at the revered institution.