PNG Teachers strike may affect National Exams
THE schools examination period, which is only weeks away, is likely to be hit by a planned nationwide strike by teachers over a pay disagreement, says PNG Teachers Association general secretary Ugwalubu Mowana.
Mr Mowana confirmed the planned industrial action yesterday, saying the idea will be approved soon by the PNG Teacher’s Association executives and the target date is set to fall on the national examination period.
"For far too long, the teachers have been suffering by the ignorance shown to them by the Department of Education and the Teaching Service Commission; they have to get to the root of the matter and fast track the processes before it gets out of hand," Mr Mowana said.
"This can be very disastrous and very unfair for students, parents and guardians of students who will be sitting for exams, but this has to be a wake up call for the relevant authorities to solve our issues."
He said that is the way forward for the teachers union because there is lack of implementation on the new teacher’s salaries agreement.
"Most of the teachers have not received their back pays since January, and we have also noted that every year, more than 2000 new graduate teachers have not been paid their salaries on time," he said.
He said they would receive their pay at the end of the year or most likely the following year.
He said some teachers were not issued pay slips and were unsure of their respective salary levels, deductions made and other payroll details.
"We are demanding the government, responsible authorities and agencies to work together to resolve the breach in the 2014-2016 salary Affixation agreement and fully implement it," he said.
He said the teachers do not want to sabotage the exams as it is their role to teach and educate the future leaders; however, they are very frustrated at the way they are being treated.
Meanwhile, Teaching Services Commission chairman Sori Baran confirmed yesterday that a report would be sent to the association on the claims and discrepancies on teacher’s salaries and other entitlements
Mr Mowana confirmed the planned industrial action yesterday, saying the idea will be approved soon by the PNG Teacher’s Association executives and the target date is set to fall on the national examination period.
"For far too long, the teachers have been suffering by the ignorance shown to them by the Department of Education and the Teaching Service Commission; they have to get to the root of the matter and fast track the processes before it gets out of hand," Mr Mowana said.
"This can be very disastrous and very unfair for students, parents and guardians of students who will be sitting for exams, but this has to be a wake up call for the relevant authorities to solve our issues."
He said that is the way forward for the teachers union because there is lack of implementation on the new teacher’s salaries agreement.
"Most of the teachers have not received their back pays since January, and we have also noted that every year, more than 2000 new graduate teachers have not been paid their salaries on time," he said.
He said they would receive their pay at the end of the year or most likely the following year.
He said some teachers were not issued pay slips and were unsure of their respective salary levels, deductions made and other payroll details.
"We are demanding the government, responsible authorities and agencies to work together to resolve the breach in the 2014-2016 salary Affixation agreement and fully implement it," he said.
He said the teachers do not want to sabotage the exams as it is their role to teach and educate the future leaders; however, they are very frustrated at the way they are being treated.
Meanwhile, Teaching Services Commission chairman Sori Baran confirmed yesterday that a report would be sent to the association on the claims and discrepancies on teacher’s salaries and other entitlements
PNG Today / Post courier
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