Teachers and principals trade unions have decided to report to work from Monday, the 25th of October, instead of from Thursday, when primary schools with less than 200 students are due to reopen.
The decision was announced during a joint media briefing held following the discussion held between teachers and principals trade unions this morning.
President of the All Ceylon United Teachers’ Union Ven. Yalwela Pagngnasekara thera said teachers will not report to work on Thursday and Friday, and instead requested teachers and principals to report to work on Monday, and teach students.
Ven. Yalwela Pagngnasekara thera said teachers will report to work, adding however the trade union struggle will not end thereafter.
The Thera said trade union action will continue until their demands are met, and they receive the salary recommendation made by the Ministerial Sub Committee as one payment and the Subodhini report is implemented.
Pagngnasekara thera said the decision to engage in teaching activities was reached with children in mind.
Chief Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union Joseph Stalin said teachers were asked to be satisfied with Rs.1,250, and claimed they will not fall for such jokes.
He claimed the union action was launched to ensure a secure future for children, adding that teachers are for children.
Stalin said it is not the government but teachers that decided to report to work on Monday.
Chief Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Service Union Mahinda Jayasinghe said teachers’ unions are not prepared to work based on the agenda of certain politicians.
Jayasinghe said government MPs and other individuals have made various claims, adding however that the unions will not work according to their agenda.
He claimed the teachers and principals struggle has also been able to make politicians to join efforts to clean school surroundings and join other welfare activities.
