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Teachers’ Unions at loggerheads over teachers’, Principals’ long overdue promotions
View(s):Trade unions are in a war or of words over school principals’ promotions on the eve of the Uva Provincial Council elections, with a pro-government union claiming that the government has agreed to resolve the issues, but a rival trade union disputed the claim.
The Sri Lanka Independent Teachers’ Union (SLITU) claimed that the Education Minister and officials, at a meeting held this week, agreed to several demands proposed by the Union.
SLITU President, Wasantha Handapangoda said, “Teachers haven’t been given any promotions since December 31, 2010. As a result, several teachers have stagnated in the same position for the past four years. Further, Principals in government schools have not been granted any promotions for the past six years.”
She added, “We submitted these points at the meeting and the Minister agreed to submit a Cabinet paper addressing these long term issues, and to gain Parliament approval. They agreed to grant promotions to these teachers’ according to the availability of promotions up to July 1, 2014.”
“On the matter concerning Principals, the ministry agreed to grant promotions in accordance with the existing vacancies, subject to these Principals being released from their current posts.”
But, Ceylon Teachers Union General Secretary, Joseph Stalin severely criticised the SLITU, alleging that this was desperate act of the union to aid the ruling party in election propaganda activities.
“In the past, we conducted many protests on the issue of promotions, but to date the ministry has not heeded any of our demands. The SLITU is a part of the ruling party. It is also one of the only unions allowed to have an office within the Education Ministry. We firmly believe that these actions are being taken on account of the forthcoming elections,” he said.
“They were always against our protests in the past, but they have suddenly taken such measures. If the ministry is taking action they should issue circulars.
But to date they haven’t released any circulars. They are simply trying to show that they are doing something,” Mr. Stalin alleged.
He added, “Focusing our attention on these matters, we have decided to take action against the difficulties caused to teachers and Principals. And, as a result, a group of teachers and Principal unions will be organising a conference addressing these issues.”
SLITU President, Ms Handapangoda denied the allegations, and said, “We are a Pro Government Union. We have considered the interests of the educational sector and the Ministry knows are intentions are fair. The other Unions may allege that this initiative was an election propaganda activity, but it was not. True, these unions have been fighting for the same cause for years, but the reason the ministry adhered to our request was because of the confidence placed in us. Similarly, if the demands of the other unions are fair, the ministry would take them into consideration.”
She added, “the Cabinet paper is being drafted at the moment, and we will meet the Education Minister on September 18 for further discussions.”
- Joshua Surendraraj