Teachers make U-turn on strike

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Dennis-Kalekeni

Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) has called off a nationwide strike that was slated for Monday, May 9.

TUM made the decision after meeting government officials on Thursday to discuss the issues the teachers want resolved.

Dennis-Kalekeni
Kalekeni: We will watch government on the promises.

Last month, TUM threatened to hold a strike to force government to address a number of challenges the teachers are facing.

Among other issues, TUM want government to hike salaries for teachers who were promoted in 2013.

However, during the meeting government asked for more time to resolve the teachers’ grievances, arguing that the country is currently facing numerous challenges.

The government officials promised the teachers that some of the issues TUM raised will be resolved in June.

Speaking after the meeting, TUM general secretary Dennis Kalekeni said they are to monitor what government has promised to implement.

“Basically the response is that government needs time to be monitored so we are to wait if they are to be implemented and these issues are to be resolved before 30th June,” said Kalekeni.

Kalekeni however vowed that TUM will revive the strike if government fails to keep its promise.