EDITOR’S NOTE: Teachers’ strike: Compromise, not threats will yield desirable fruits

Sep 07, 2011

THE current impasse between teachers and the Government over pay increment In unfortunate. As usual, when two elephants fight, it is always the grass that suffers, and therefore, in all, it is clear the children are unfairly losing their precious time.

THE current impasse between teachers and the Government over pay increment In unfortunate. As usual, when two elephants fight, it is always the grass that suffers, and therefore, in all, it is clear the children are unfairly losing their precious time.

The parents too are losing this since they have to pay through the nose to get their children to class.

To prevent the bad situation from getting worse, all parties should come to a round table - dialogue, not threats and intimidation on either side will address the standoff. Education is a treasure that needs to be handled with care or else the country risks losing its reputation as the regional role model in the sector.

Teachers have passionate and sentimental attachments to the profession and these override other factors. The Government should approach the teachers’ plight from this perspective.

One of the reasons teachers are becoming radical this time is because of the way their issues are handled; they work under harsh conditions, their pleas are always ignored and the Government promises of a better life for them never come to pass, making them feel like their contribution is not appreciated.

But when one or two of them break the rules, they are all dumped in one sack, labeled defilers, drunkards, etc, and society views them as a disgrace.

It is true, like in any society, some teachers are errant but does not mean they are all greedy people looking for an opportunity to make a quick buck. Teaching is a call that would not bring the luxuries of life and those who choose to remain in the profession must be respected. It is, therefore, important for policy makers to respect and honour their pleas in their quest for a better standard of living.

But the teachers should also realise that respect and honour will only come through diplomacy. Ultimatums and black mail is not the way to go. Likewise, on the part of the Government, intimidation will not yield any desirable fruits.

The two parties must sit together and come up with a solution for the good of all stakeholders.


Arthur Baguma Nsimomwe
abaguma@newvision.co.ug



(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});