Don't forget the teachers - TUN The vice-president of the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN), Matheus Haakuria, has reminded the government to remember the plight of its teachers and to be mindful that teachers will not budge on their salary demands. The union also urged teachers to be vigilant and not go blindly into an illegal strike that could result in them not being paid.
“TUN wishes to state that teachers should consider the bigger benefit we are fighting for, although this might cause inconvenience along the way. We therefore urge teachers to go out collectively in their thousands and cast their votes for a contemplated action that will culminate in the betterment of our shared circumstances,” said Haakuria.
The union urged government not to frustrate teachers any longer and to give in to their demands.
“We have noted that initially voting was slotted for 31 August 2016 and now has been deferred to 6 September. TUN hopes that this is not a delaying tactic aimed at depriving the teachers of their benefit. Delaying voting will only serve to infuriate and radicalise the Namibian teachers who are subjected to degrading working conditions and demoralising salaries,” it said.
Teachers were expected to vote for or against industrial action this week after the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) failed to persuade the government to give teachers an 8% salary increase.
The government has insisted it cannot afford to grant more than 5% because of the drought and other economic constraints.
JEMIMA BEUKES