The National Organizer of the University Graduate Teachers, Zoranu Eugene Setsofia, has warned that newly posted graduate teachers will resort to street protests if government fails to provide a clear and tangible response to concerns over unpaid salaries.
Speaking on ABC’s In The Morning programme, Mr Setsofia said many affected teachers are owed up to 11 months of salary, yet have received payment for only one month since assuming duty.
“We will hit the street if they do not come out and tell us something reasonable and tangible to cool our hearts down,” he stated.
He described the single month’s salary paid as inadequate, stressing that it has done little to ease the hardship faced by the teachers.
“We have only received our one month salary. This one month salary paid is a peanut,” Mr Setsofia said.
According to him, the prolonged delay in salary payments has left many teachers struggling to meet basic living expenses.
“We are owing rent,” he revealed, explaining that some teachers have been forced into debt as a result of the situation.
Mr Setsofia also criticised the leadership of major teacher unions, accusing them of failing to stand up for newly posted graduate teachers, particularly during periods of uncertainty.
“The teacher unions are failing us,” he said. “When our appointments were revoked during a change of government, GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG showed no concern about our situation.”
He however, called on the government to urgently engage the affected teachers, outline a clear payment plan for the outstanding arrears, and take immediate steps to address their concerns to prevent potential demonstrations.
