Windhoek
Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) vice president Matheus Haakuria has accused government of unfair labour practises, with reference to remuneration packages.
Haakuria says school principals are being denied the basic conditions of employment offered to fellow workers on the same salary grading.
According to him, principals and inspectors of education are in same salary grade (grade 5) and although the basic salaries are the same, the benefits are not.
“School principals are still discriminated against, despite the union raising the issue with the Office of the Prime Minister to effect the desired changes,” said Haakuria.
He called on government to extend the benefits given to inspectors of education in grade 5 to all employees in that grade.
He also said school principals serving as cluster centre principals are not remunerated for the additional work, despite the positive gains by the ministry from the work they do in the cluster system.
“The employer is benefiting from the cluster system, yet it does not reward the workers for the extra input,” he said, adding that this is a classic case of exploitation.
The unionist urged the Ministry of Education to approach the relevant State entities to institutionalise the cluster system.
He said such intervention should translate into improved remuneration and other benefits for those tasked with administering the clusters.
“The cluster centre principals’ posts should be officially accommodated on the staff establishment [structure] of the ministry, with its accompanying remunerative benefits,” he said.
Further, Haakuria said the union has received anecdotal reports from members claiming victimisation, especially those who are being asked to complete leave forms for not attending the commemorative activities at school on June 16.
“We, as teachers, are under no obligation to obey illegal instructions and the stand of both unions, TUN and NANTU, was made clear on this matter,” he said. He further urged teachers to report any intimidation to the union.