No online classes for 68 days; education unions insist on meeting Finance Minister
View(s):Teacher and principal unions will continue to boycott online teaching and examination duties until their salary anomaly issue is discussed with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and an acceptable solution is given, the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said.
The CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin told Education Times that this week’s discussion with the Education Ministry Secretary Kapila Perera failed, as there was no assurance given that their salaries will be increased according to the Subhodini committee report.
“We reject the salary increases proposed by the recently appointed Cabinet sub-committee. Union leaders requested a meeting with the Finance Minister.
The Education Secretary said he will facilitate a meeting between education sector unions and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa. We hope our issues will be addressed by the Finance Minister,” Mr. Stalin said.
On Friday, Government school teachers boycotted online teaching for the 68th consecutive day, and continue to abstain from examination duties and participating in provincial education level online meetings.
Mr. Stalin said Advanced Level (A/L) and scholarship examinations may get delayed due to the pandemic situation and Government’s failure to address the teachers’ and principals salary issue.
Meanwhile, he said teacher and principal unions vehemently condemn the move by the Police to urge Government school teachers to complain to the Police if they receive threats and are pressured to stay away from teaching.
On Friday, Police asked teachers who continue online teaching amidst the strike to call the hotline 119 or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or file a complaint at the nearest Police station if they receive threats or are pressured to boycott online teaching.
“Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekare has instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the CID to look into these complaints without delay. Those found guilty will be dealt with severely,” an official from the Police Media division said.
“We are not criminals but teachers who have been demanding a decent pay that has been delayed for 24 years,” said Mr. Stalin.
(NF)