IFP SUPPORTS TEACHERS' STRIKE

May 16, 2006

In principle, the IFP supports the rationale behind the national teachers' strike organised by the National Teachers' Union (NATU) and scheduled for Thursday, 18 May 2006.

"Although the IFP believes that teachers' plight can be resolved by structural reform in the Department of Education rather than by trade union intervention, we support those demands by NATU that coincide with our long-term policy," said IFP National Spokesperson on Education, Alfred Mpontshane MP.

Mpontshane also said:

"In particular, the IFP supports the teachers' demands to be included in job interview panels from which they are currently excluded. We also support the demand for doing away with the insecurity of temporary contracts.

"The IFP would also like to see clearer terms of promotion for teachers. In addition, we believe that the practice of relocating teachers to remote areas should include suitable incentives for the individuals concerned.

"At the same time, the IFP wishes to expose the hypocrisy of some unions which preach austerity to their members but simultaneously promote their top officials to lucrative positions in government."

Contact:
Alfred Mpontshane, 083 441 6201