The Botswana Teachers’ Union (BTU), one of EI’s national affiliates, is suing the Ministry of Education (MoE) for denying vacations to teachers’ when schools closed on 30 March. Shortly before schools closed, the MoE wrote to public school educators, notifying them to continue “with their normal duties” after pupils had gone on holiday.
BTU General Secretary, Ibo Nana Kenosi, confirmed that his union had instructed lawyers to file an urgent appeal to the High Court to reverse the controversial MoE decision requiring teachers to work during school holidays. In the past, teachers got free vacation time during school holidays without necessarily applying for leave days. However, under the new system, teachers will no longer enjoy that benefit.
Educators to work, even in students’ absence
“It was pointless for teachers to go to work during holidays as their job revolves around pupils’ availability,” Kenosi added. “Teachers should not be expected to work during the vacation. As we speak, teachers continue to go to class. But the only problem is that they are unable to perform their duties because pupils are not there.”
Educators must be consulted
He also highlighted that teachers were never consulted when the decision was taken. “It is only through proper consultations that the Directorate of Public Service Management, the MoE and unions could possibly make a world-class productive service out of this national public service,” he said.
EI Regional Coordinator, Richard Etonu, emphasised: “In the recent past, the Botswana Government has made decisions without taking the teachers’ views into account, as if to spite them. It unilaterally declared that teachers provide ‘an essential service’, to keep them from participating, together with other civil servants, in protests demanding respect for their rights.
“Educators must be consulted in all education matters, and social dialogue respected. EI demands that the competent Botswana authorities engage in good–faith social dialogue with education trade unionists, to ensure educators’ decent working conditions and quality education for all.”