More than 5,100 teachers in Inhambane province, southern Mozambique, are contesting the basis used to calculate remuneration for overtime hours worked in 2022–23. According to them, the amounts already reflected are not aligned with the actual effort provided.
For many teachers, reports O País, the Government’s calculation method raises more doubts than certainties. “We have information pointing to a total debt of 80,000 meticais. However, only 20,000 were validated. Where did the remaining 60,000 go?” one teacher questioned during a meeting with colleagues.
The controversy deepens as teachers claim that authorities excluded public holidays and weekends from the calculations — a method they argue is “not plausible” and violates the basic principles of overtime assessment.
“When calculating overtime, holidays or weekends are not deducted. What matters are the hours actually worked. That’s why we don’t accept this model as fair,” insisted another visibly frustrated teacher.
Despite their dissatisfaction, teachers say they expect the outstanding amount to be paid as soon as possible, warning that further delays will worsen the already low morale in the sector. The dispute has even led teachers to hold a closed-door meeting with Members of Parliament who visited Inhambane. During the session, lawmakers pledged to step up pressure on the Government to ensure full payment, acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers’ concerns.
“We are aware that 2022 has already been settled. However, several months from 2023 remain outstanding, and of course, 2024 should also be included in this compensation framework. We trust the Government has control over the situation and hope it will respond positively to our expectations,” said one teachers’ representative.
Beyond the overtime issue, teachers also raised other demands, particularly the immediate resumption of administrative processes, which remain suspended due to financial constraints. They argue that this suspension directly affects career progression and professional motivation.
“This is not only about money, but also about dignity and recognition. Administrative acts are essential for valuing teachers and for us to work with renewed motivation. If they remain suspended, both our future and the future of education in the province are at risk,” appealed another teacher.
In response, Inhambane’s provincial government maintains that the payment process still depends on validation by the General Inspectorate of Finance — a step authorities say is necessary to ensure greater rigor and transparency in the use of public funds. For teachers, however, this argument does not justify the delays or what they consider unfair deductions.
The more than 5,000 teachers affected await a definitive solution. While the partial disbursement announced by the provincial government was welcomed as a positive sign, educators insist that true justice will only be achieved when full payment is made and overtime calculations properly reflect the effort each has put into their work.
Source: Diário Económico
