Strike: Teachers threaten complete boycott of classes if demands not met

For non-implementation of up-gradation package for college teachers announced by the prime minister in October 2010


Express September 30, 2011

ISLAMABAD:


The Federal Government Teachers Association (FGTA) continued their protest on Thursday against the government for non-implementation of the up-gradation package for college teachers announced by the prime minister in October 2010.


They took out a protest rally from H-8 Post Graduate College to Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s office and boycotted all classes except the two morning periods. The teachers said they would continue to protest till September 30, and if their demands are still not met, they would completely boycott classes.

The campaign was formally launched last week by teachers who wore black ribbons on their arms. Teachers from different colleges gathered at Post Graduate College carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the bureaucracy, holding them responsible for using delay tactics in the implementation of the package. “Why are the teachers being discriminated against? We feel humiliated; the government neither has consideration for college teachers nor for students’ careers,” said a female teacher.

From October 1, the teachers would start their protest in front of National Press Club and full day boycott of the classes would be observed. Teacher Association Vice President Khalida Makhdoom said, “The teachers would observe October 5, the Salam Teacher Day, as a black day and protest in front of Parliament House, completely boycotting classes till their demands are met.”

A large number of teachers have not even been promoted for the last fifteen years, she added. Makhdoom said that the academics are also suffering due to the continuing strike, as students barely attend two classes each day.

Teacher Association Secretary General Professor Tahir Mehmood lamented that since the protest’s launch, the government did not bother to hold even a single meeting to settle the issue.  He said that the attitude of the bureaucracy forced them to continue the protest, as the administration is so indifference as it never bothered to look into our genuine problems, “The teachers will go ahead with the protest, if the government does not immediately accept our demands,” he said.

Speaking on the issue, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) Director General Atif Mehmood Kayani said that they hope to resolve the issue soon. Calling their demands genuine, he assured the teachers that their demands will be fulfilled and the case’s file has been sent to the Establishment Division. Also, FDE and Capital Administration and Development Division are both actively pursuing the case.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2011.

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