Port Louis — Since the announcement of the removal of promotion by seniority for Deputy Head Teachers and Head Teachers and its replacement by a mixed formula of 50 % based on seniority and 50 % based on competition - a real turmoil is taking place in schools.

The abolition of promotion by seniority means that an important acquired right is being removed from the hands of teachers. Many teachers are feeling worried about it.

1993: Many are referring to the 1993 episode when more than 2,500 teachers walked in the streets of Port-Louis for a mega street demonstration. 1993 must be evoked with respect. Those were the days when "la lutte syndicale" was done with sincerity and devotion, when regional officers representing regions were close to their mandates and were visiting schools regularly to launch the mobilization campaign.

At that time there was no "jalsa, paisa, nissa" method to attract teachers to attend meetings. Teachers were coming voluntarily by their own means. The results were fantastic and historic. Seniority was re-established and 1,200 posts if DHTs were to be created.

Non-believer in demonstrations: Teachers are wondering how can 2,000 teachers come for a demonstration when a representative of theirs has declared that he does not believe in street demonstrations - these are things of the past. They are wondering about the fate of the Common Front when many unions have left it. They are also questioning the sudden awakedness of their representatives after three years of lethargy and slumber.

The 2005 change: In 2005 teachers opted for a change and since that year much water has gone under the bridge. Allowances for NLMS are the same, dismissal is still at 3.30 pm, teachers of Std I and II are swallowing the sour pill of Bridging the Gap which a representative qualified as a commendable project, diploma holders had to cover loaded modules whilst paying Rs 1,000 for the graduation ceremony - the list is too long.

100 % and 0 %: the formula of 50 % by seniority and 50 % by competition is a mirage. In reality once seniority is abolished because the struggle for competition will have the upper hand on seniority. Therefore it will be either 100 % by seniority or 0 %. Besides once competition is established everyone would like to compete especially since it will be open after 15 years of service. This time there won't be any remake of 1993.

Lollbeeharry's fight: History recognizes that Lollbeeharry has always fought for seniority. Hats off to clerical and other sectors because they know the value and capacity of a Benydin, Sadien, Chutoo, Imrith, etc. But teachers chose to eliminate Lollbeeharry. Many are feeling nostalgia for the golden days. Teachers are suffering and will suffer more in the coming years.