Teachers want TSC removed

 SOME teachers in the Highlands region want the Teaching Service Commission abolished.
They relayed their views to the Parliamentary Referral Committee on Education, which is looking into problems affecting teachers.
The commission employs about 45,000 teachers in elementary, primary and secondary schools.
The teachers want the commission abolished because it has done little to resolve problems facing them, such as salary increments, allowances, leave fares, appointments, housing and other entitlements.
The committee comprises Wabag MP Robert Sandan Ganim as chairman, Goilala MP Daniel Mona as his deputy, Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso, Sandaun Governor Amkat Mai and Jimi MP Mai Dop.
They were in Mt Hagen on March 17, Goroka on March 19 and Lae on March 21 to hear teachers’ grievances.
The major problems highlighted by the teachers were the increase in salaries, the increase in workload as a result of free education, taxing of allowances, leave fares, mining allowances and teacher appointments.
The committee, which was commissioned by Speaker Theo Zurenuoc in January, is expected to present a report in Parliament during the May sitting.