Pay up full 9pc pay rise

IT’s funny to see in the media that the State owes teachers K400 million on the so-called three per cent pay rise.
Teachers are hardworking public servants and to be treated cheaply is frustrating.
Time and again, teachers’ cries are heard in media, but nothing has transpired.
The system meant to care responsibly for them is not doing what it is supposed to be doing.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
A further archaeological dig would unearth all the dirt and bones which has been fed to the teachers.
Dirt and bones the likes ofunderpayment, unactioned variations, leave fares, teachers’ houses, no classroom buildings’, housing allowances, etc.
Approaches by appropriate authorities to addressing these issues is non-existent.
Now that light has trickled in, teachers must not become blind and act like fools.
All teachers must seek justification for decades of negligence by the State.
The PNG Teachers’ Association general -secretary said: “The association anticipates a favourable response by Monday or teachers must seek avenues, including protest, to make their point for quick response by authorities.”
He added that avenues are dictated by the members and not the executives.”
Is it not time now for this three per cent pay increase per year to be added and paid in full plus other outstanding grievances?
Many teachers from elementary level and up are suffering in silence due to unethical treatment.
Teachers have their rights just like any other public servants.
They need to be treated right.
Pay up the full nine per cent pay rise from 2017 to 2019.

Sem Pasin
Eastern Highlands