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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46282, member: 636"] The University of Zimbabwe fired four union leaders during a faculty strike that has lasted 71 days. Faculty members demand pay raises from $230 to $2,250 monthly. University officials removed Association of University Teachers President Munyaradzi Chamburuka and three other top union officials. The university accused the leaders of using the Great Hall without approval for a union vote. Union Spokesperson Obvious Vengeyi said university staff opened the building for them and provided security. Officials also sent a legal representative to watch the April 2 meeting. The university later claimed the union broke rules about building use. Union leaders received suspension notices on May 6 and faced disciplinary hearings. The university sent dismissal letters that took effect from the suspension date. Vengeyi said his group asked the registrar on March 28 for permission to use the hall but received no answer. The university opened the facility anyway and sent staff to oversee the process. The dismissed leaders plan to fight the firings through legal action. They will continue strike activities and picketing despite losing their jobs. The leaders expected dismissal because the university charged them under rules that allow firing after one violation. Union members remain committed to the wage increase demands. Academic work has stopped across campus as the strike continues without resolution. Faculty members refuse to return until administrators agree to substantial pay increases. The union argues current salaries fail to cover living costs and reflect professional worth. [/QUOTE]

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