productive
8 August 2007
This morning Western Cape Education (WCED) MEC Cameron Dugmore, the Head of
Department Ron Swartz and other senior officials met with representatives of
various teacher unions, facilitated by an independent mediator.
The meeting took place after teacher unions walked out of the Provincial
Education Labour Relations Council (PELRC) last week, citing a 'breakdown in
relations'. The PELRC is a bargaining forum for employer (the department) and
employees as represented by teacher unions.
Although the WCED is not entirely satisfied with the outcome of the meeting,
it was a welcomed and productive meeting. We have agreed that it is the
beginning of a process to mend relations, and rebuild confidence in the
education system as a whole, in the interest of our learners.
Whilst the unions have reiterated their stance not to endorse the WCED's
Education Recovery Plan and take the matter up with the national Education
Labour Relations Council (ELRC), we have made it clear that we have a
responsibility towards our learners, and will do everything possible to ensure
the successful implementation of the Recovery Plan.
At this stage 117 out of 149 high schools are participating in the Recovery
Plan. Many schools are also following their own recovery programmes, and we
thank them for their commitment.
In the meeting with the unions, we have also reached agreement on the
following:
* Pay progression: WCED to implement pay progression and notch increases
from the end of this month
* No-work, no-pay deductions: WCED to provide schools with list of names of
teachers whose salaries are being docked.
* Temporary teachers: unions to provide list of teachers whose contracts
have yet to be converted to permanent status
* Temporary Incapacity Leave: prior to 1 June 2006, there was no procedure
to verify such leave claims before leave was granted. With the result that many
teachers have been granted Temporary Incapacity Leave. However, with a
verification procedure now in place, some teachers have found such leave
revoked and having to repay unpaid leave. The unions are unhappy with the long
administrative process, and WCED has undertaken to resolve all outstanding
matters before end of September 2007.
The issues of classroom visits and the closure of schools will be discussed
at a next meeting of the PELRC.
For enquiries contact:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
8 August 2007
