CTU says no-pay leave for teachers who protested, a violation of their rights
View(s):Considering sick leave applied by around 100 northern teachers who protested last week, as no pay leave, is in violation of their rights, the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said last week.
CTU President Theeban Arokiyanathan said the teachers had called in sick before they participated in the protest that took place before the Northern Governor’s office.
However it was learned that the Northern Provincial Education office had sent letters to all zonal directors, informing them to not accept sick leave from the teachers who participated in the protest.
The teachers serving in Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar were protesting against the delay in transfers from their present placements to schools closer to their homes.
The teachers had all completed up to seven years in their present work places. The Northern Education Provincial office confirmed that letters had been sent out.
A key official at the Northern Education Provincial office said the decision was taken because sick leave was granted only for people who are sick, not for those who apply for sick leave and participate in protests.
“It is a privilege not a right, ” he said. (CC)