Teachers draw battle linesPublic-school teachers across the country have voted unanimously for strike action after the government rejected a demand to hike their salaries by 8%. Nantu says educators have no confidence in education minister The Namibia National Teachers’ Union yesterday blasted Education Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa for comparing their pay scales to those in Botswana and South Africa.The Nantu leadership said it has no confidence in the minister, who according to them, failed to play a liaison role between the government and the union. The pronouncement came just a few days after teachers unanimously voted in favour of strike action.
“Nantu is of the opinion that the minister was supposed to play a liaison role between the union and government in an attempt to reach consensus on the matter. However, she opted to become a spokesperson of the government threatening teachers,” Nantu president Simeon Kavila told journalists yesterday.
“Against this background, the Nantu leadership would like to state that the teachers of this country have no confidence in the honourable minister of education, arts and culture.
“Her actions do not guarantee future working relationship with the teachers and the Nantu leadership in particular.”
Nantu further claimed that it had never met with the minister since the government rejecting their demand for an 8% salary hike.
The government offered 5%, citing other priorities such as the nationwide drought emergency.
Hanse-Himarwa could not be reached for comment yesterday.
About 95% of teachers in the public service voted to strike, while fewer than 5% voted against strike action.
Of the 20 473 votes cast, 19 473 were in favour of a strike, with just under 1 000 voting against the strike. There were 42 spoiled ballots.
The looming strike will halt learning at state schools and the government has warned the teachers that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy would apply if they stay away from work.
The Nantu leadership added that teachers have always been patriotic and have the interest of the Namibian child at heart. They accused the government and the minister of education of not caring for Namibian learners.
They added that the same politicians had increased their own utility allowances by more than 100%, and their salaries by 6%.
“The statement that politicians did not get an increase over the past years in not accurate,” Kavila added.
“To our beloved parents and learners, we understand your concerns about upcoming examinations. We are also concerned about it, but we would like the government to meet our demand.
“We are willing to work after our demands are met. We have always remained patriotic and hard working.”
Teachers are expected to decide tomorrow on the rules of the strike, after which they will inform the labour commissioner and other stakeholders of their next step.
If the government does not engage them in the interim, Nantu says the strike will go ahead as planned and as long as necessary until their demands are met.
KEITH VRIES