Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - The Papua New Guinea Teachers Association (PNGTA) is preparing to escalate the issue of a promised three per cent pay increment for its members to an industrial dispute. PNGTA President Aita Sanangkepe emphasized the need for the Government, Education Minister Lucas Dekena, the Teaching Service Commission, and the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) to honor the memorandum of agreement signed last December. According to Sanangkepe, the discussed increment has yet to be implemented, leaving teachers in anticipation. "I know PNGTA gave a deadline for April, but due to the money issues the Government is going through, payments have been delayed," Sanangkepe explained. "I am aware that teachers are frustrated about the increment, but PNGTA is doing all it can to make sure what was signed is implemented."
Sanangkepe announced that the association plans to register the three per cent increment payment as an industrial issue and seek an enforcement order through the court. He stressed the importance of avoiding a teachers' strike, which would negatively impact students' learning. Approximately 70,000 teachers across the country have been waiting for the increment since the MoU signing in December. Sanangkepe acknowledged their patience and reassured them that PNGTA is working diligently to expedite the process. Sanangkepe also mentioned plans to bring the matter to the attention of Education Department Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, Minister Dekena, and the National Education Board members during their meeting in Lae. Also read Comments are closed.
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