Talks with PM fail, teachers to continue boycotting online teaching

Teacher and principal unions have decided to continue with their trade union action against the government’s inability to solve their salary anomaly issue.

The decision was taken at today’s (13) meeting with 31 unions coming under the Teacher-Principal Trade Union Alliance.

President of the Ceylon Teacher Services Union Dhammika Alahapperuma told TimesOnline that teachers and principals need their salary anomaly addressed at once and not in installments.

“This has been a 24-year-old issue; we cannot see our salary increments drag anymore. The government can cut down other expenditures and increase our salaries,” he said.

Mr. Alahapperuma said despite meeting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the unions did not receive the solution to their salary issue.

“We reject the government’s proposal to solve the salary anomaly in several installments that will be extended till 2023. It is unfair for teachers who have been underpaid for so many years,” he said.

Teachers, who have boycotted online teaching for more than three months will continue to stay away from teaching while principals will not participate in provincial/zonal level meetings and examination duties as well.

“We will give the government time till October 21 or more trade union action will take place,” he warned.