News
Teacher patience stretched over state response to lingering demands
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
A two-week campaign, launched last Monday by educators in response to unresolved wage issues, working conditions, and resource allocation, has led to significant changes in the daily operations of schools.
The unions decided not to take part in training programmes, workshops, or outside professional activities recommended by the provincial and zonal education offices.
According to the general secretary of principals’ union Mohan Parakrama Weerasinghe, for the following two weeks, members will abstain from all outside activities.
Unions warn that they will go beyond work to rule campaign if grievances not resolved
Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), charged that rather than addressing problems, the government was penalising teachers who had turned to trade union action over salary discrepancies.
On July 19, a highly anticipated meeting took place between teachers, principals, and the President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Educators were hopeful it would lead to meaningful resolutions regarding long-standing concerns, including inadequate pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of resources. But, the outcome left many feeling disappointed and frustrated, as no concrete solutions were provided for the existing salary anomaly issue, said Ceylon Teachers Service Union General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe.
“In 2021, twenty-four years after the problems with salary anomalies first surfaced in 1997, the government handled one-third of the teacher concerns, in which a teacher was paid the minimum salary of Rs. 30,000 but the anomaly was recovered for Rs. 11,000 instead. We implore the government to pay attention to the remaining 2/3, which has presented numerous difficulties for the profession,’’ Mr. Jayasinghe said.
However, teachers received some relief concerning their promotions, as the amendment to the Teacher Service Minute Act removed the heavily weighted professional review requirement.
Furthermore, the number of required modules for promotion, which was previously set at 10, has been increased to 20. These modules are now part of a self-study programme that includes an assessment, which can be completed in a relatively short period of time, added Mr. Jayasinghe.
Mr Weerasinghe said that principals are classified as state employees at the staff level. However, principals are not granted the same benefits as staff level employees.
Students will once again feel the impact of the work to rule campaign by teachers
For example, they receive allowances that increase the value of their wage. All by themselves, principals oversee finances, property, personnel, and other resources, but they are not compensated more for that work. Several people work together to complete these responsibilities in state service which is basically violation of basic human rights for principals at national schools, Mr Weerasinghe said.
The campaign is necessary, Mr Weerasinghe said adding that, “We have been patient long enough. This is about more than just salary. It is about the respect and resources we need to effectively educate our students.”
The work-to-rule campaign has not quelled the discontent among teachers. Union leaders are now considering escalating the action to a full strike, a move that would further intensify the impact on educational activities.
The decision to potentially strike is driven by the unions’ frustration with the slow pace of negotiations and the ongoing unmet demands for better pay and working conditions.
“We are prepared to take more decisive action if necessary,” Mr Stalin warned. The possibility of a strike adds a layer of uncertainty and concern for students, parents, and the broader educational community.
The work-to-rule campaign has undeniably impacted school activities. Extracurricular programmes and after-school tutoring sessions have been canceled or significantly reduced.
Administrative tasks, including grading and parent-teacher meetings, have also experienced delays. These changes have caused considerable disruption for students, parents, and school administration.
Principal of Lumbini Vidyalaya, Colombo Ven. Divithure Samantha Thera said, lack of additional support during work-to-rule campaigns can significantly affect students’ academic performance.
“Without access to after-school help, study groups, or enrichment activities, students may struggle to keep up with their coursework. This is especially challenging for those who need extra assistance to grasp complex concepts or prepare for important assessments,” Samantha Thera said.
Students have felt the effects too.
Observing the setup of his school, Samantha Thera said that students have expressed frustration that they do not have access to the clubs and extra help that we usually rely on. Lack of additional support has heightened the stress surrounding upcoming exams and has left many students feeling unsupported.
The impact of work-to-rule campaigns and strikes extends beyond academics. Students may experience increased stress and anxiety due to the uncertainty and instability created by these actions. The lack of routine, along with the disruption of familiar support systems, can contribute to emotional distress.
A senior Ministry of Education official said that the Secretary to the Ministry of Education is working on a report at the President’s request to address the pay differences in teacher services, and it will be presented in due course.
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