TEACHERS STRIKE STILL ON

Teachers Union of Malawi [TUM] on Monday announced the resumption of teachers nationwide strike today following the government’s alleged failure to resolve their grievances.

The strike follows the expiry of a seven –day notice given to government following the decision by the presidential Taskforce on Covid to turn down teachers’ proposal to convert money meant for personal protective equipment into cash.

Meanwhile TUM President Willie Malimba on Monday said that the taskforce on Covid had demonstrated that it did not have the welfare of teachers at heart.

‘’We are calling on all teachers in public primary and secondary schools as well as lecturers in teacher training colleges not to report for work until when government would respond to our concerns,’’ Malimba said.

Meanwhile the Civil Society Education Coalition Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe Blamed the prolonged standoff between the teachers and government on a lack of honest dialogue.

‘’I could say that the two sides have been negotiating without respect for each other and that is why when the two sides agree on something they are failing to implement that.

Ministry of Education Spokesperson Chikondi Chimala asked for time to consult before he could add his voice to the issue.