Windhoek – The secretary general of the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN), Mahongora Kavihuha, has called on government to fast-track teachers’ and public servants’ annual salary increments.
“It is very disturbing for the teachers and other public servants to wait up until the end of the year without hearing anything on the status of the annual increment,” said Kavihuha at a press conference yesterday.
“Teachers and public servants are today demanding explanations on the 2015/16 increment from government without any further delays,” he added.
Kavihuha, who is also the president of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) to which TUN is affiliated, said: “Teachers and public servants are tired with the betrayal of these so called bargaining agents cohorting with government.”
He said it is high time for the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (NANTU), the union that has an official bargaining agreement with government on behalf of teachers, to feel ashamed and to start respecting teachers.
Kavihuha reminded NANTU that the rival union had issued an ultimatum to government on September 22 regarding the increment, to the effect that teachers would take action by October 2 this year.
“But up until now we did not hear anything,” he said. “Teachers need to hear today, not later,” he added.
NANTU secretary general Basilius Haingura was unavailable yesterday for comment. He was said to be attending a workshop.
Furthermore, Kavihuha says the union is disturbed by what he termed unfair discrimination in the public sector, specifically between school principals and inspectors.
“Schools principals are graded at grade five, together with inspectors of education, and we as a union are ready to fight such unfair practices,” he said.
According to him, on April 21 the Office of the Prime Minister issued a circular in terms whereof inspectors of education are to receive additional benefits, such as motor vehicle allowances and housing benefits.
He said the rest of the employees in the public service, who are also at grade five – including principals – will not benefit from the schemes. The unfairness of the decision is obvious, he said, considering the many responsibilities that school principals have, compared to inspectors of education.
Kavihuha says the TUN is of the view that such practices are discriminatory and extremely unfair and would without doubt adversely affect the performance of those concerned.
TUN members will be gathering in Swakopmund this weekend to deliberate on various issues affecting the sector, including the delays in the negotiation process and the way forward.
The union will be joined by the Professional Educators Union (PEU) of South Africa and Botswana Sectors of Education Trade Union (BOSETU).
by Kuzeeko Tjitemisa