in negotiations in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC)
4 December 2007
The 'Occupation Specific Dispensation' (OSD) for educators was tabled by the
Ministry of Education in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) with a
view to reaching agreement with teacher unions who are members of the council.
This matter has been in negotiation for nearly three months, during which time
no agreement has been reached.
At the last ELRC meeting of 3 December unions did not support the revised
proposal, which addressed many of the concerns raised by South African
Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) and the other unions. SADTU indicated that
they did not have a mandate on the matter, and would only obtain this in the
New Year!
The implication of this breakdown in collective bargaining is that the OSD
for educators, which will put substantial money into the pockets of teachers,
will not be implemented by the target date of 1 January 2008. The proposal as
tabled provides for an immediate adjustment for all teachers, averaging 6,2%,
while more than 20% will get a translation increase of more than 10%. Teachers
will have to wait longer for Unions to finalise their mandates.
The Minister has expressed her deep disappointment at these developments,
and remains convinced that the new measures are for the benefit of all
teachers. The proposed OSD for education professionals ensures a fair,
equitable and competitive remuneration structure, in which good and qualified
teachers will be well rewarded. The element of performance-based pay is a
matter of concern for some unions, but no competent or committed teacher has
any reason to fear increased accountability. If we are genuinely committed to
quality education, we cannot continue to protect under-performing or mediocre
teachers.
The OSD proposal provides for extended salary scales, with hugely increased
maximums. Good teachers will qualify for 'accelerated progression,' in which
they will see their salaries increase by up to 4,5% every year, over and above
any cost-of living increases. The proposal also provides for the appointment of
some 50 000 support personnel, who will provide administrative and other forms
of support to teachers. This will be an opportunity for youths to get work
experience, without replacing teachers in any way, and encourage them to
consider further training towards becoming a teacher â something that anyone
with an interest in the renewal of the profession should welcome. In other
words, the entire proposal is in the interests of quality education for all,
and those who reject it should stop pretending that this is also their
objective.
The Minister of Education and the Minister of Public Service and
Administration are reviewing the position with regard to breaking the current
deadlock in negotiations. Their primary aim is to ensure the implementation of
the OSD for Educators as agreed to in the final salary agreement of 2007.
Contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: Ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Education
4 December 2007
