Teachers Strike deadline passes without a resolution

Teachers Strike deadline passes without a resolution

On 1st July, Maldivian teachers protested by staying at home demanding a pay rise. The next day, after negotiations, teachers agreed to give the government 30 days, till the end of the month to come up with a proposal but it seems that the government has not come up with anything other than lame excuses.

On Thursday, Education Minister Zahiya practically begged the teachers not to strike again, saying that it is our children who will suffer. Little did she know that our children are already suffering, in all aspects of life. The vast majority of the Maldivian children are suffering and that is a fact. Zahiya can afford to send her kids to schools abroad, so can other ministers and top cronies of the Gayyoom regime but what about the ordinary citizen?

Teachers group which organised the first ever such industrial strike met again yesterday and they have not ruled out another strike.

The Finance Ministry has clearly indicated that they are not in a position to make an offer of an immediate pay rise. The Teachers are saying that they want a firm decision and not necessarily an immediate pay rise. However, given the dire situation of the economy and the rising cost of living, a pay rise could go a long way in making the lives of our teachers just that bit easier.

One thing is certain at this stage and that is, teachers have the upper hand in this struggle. Dictator Gayyoom and his regime is on the back-foot now and teachers must now act diligently and decisively. The vast majority of the public firmly support the actions of the teachers.

Zahiya! Don’t you think that our children will suffer, if teachers are thinking every minute of the day, how to make ends meet?

Zahiya! If you are truly committed to the education of our children, put your job on the line. If the dictator refuses to a pay rise with immediate effect, step down from your ministerial post. At least, you will then be remembered for one good deed.

Zahiya! Did you know that most Maldivian teachers wake up at 5:00 am and work all day till 8:00 pm? And, they will be lucky to make 10,000 Mrf a month, with salary, overtime and tuition? Do you think that is fair?

The question is, if the budget can accommodate a 600% pay rise for member of the parliament, why can’t they do a little increase for the teachers?