In a statement on Monday, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) said living conditions for its members have deteriorated during the past few months due to the worsening economic situation in the country.
ZIMTA chairperson Richard Gundane cited rising prices of basic commodities and increasing transport fares as well as the charging of prices for most products in US dollars.
“Our members are unable to report for duty with effect from the 8th of January 2019 due to incapacitation,” Gundane said.
He said the government should start paying salaries in US dollars “to enable the teachers to report for work and to subsist”.
The proposed strike by teachers comes in the wake of a month-long industrial action by doctors at public hospitals.
The cash-strapped government has been struggling to meet its wage bill, which is estimated at more than 90 percent of its revenue.
It has also been struggling to address shortages of fuel and basic commodities.