28 April 2008
interview
Port Louis — Some private secondary schools were planning a strike this week. Is it still on?
No. It was called off last Thursday following a meeting between Swaminathan Ragen, chief of cabinet of the ministry of Education and representatives of the Union of Private Secondary Education Employees (UPSEE). An agreement was signed at this meeting in relation to the redeployment of teaching staff in case of school closures. The representatives of the federation of private college managers also had a separate meeting with ministry officials.
Why was the strike announced in the first place?
It was originally announced that private colleges would be on strike as from 29th April, following a decision of one employees' trade union, UPSEE. The Federation of private college managers was also quite active in this path. The strike was to be a response to various problems faced by private colleges and which had remained unsolved. The strike was asking for the resignation of Dharam Gokhool, the Education minister.
What are the issues taken up by the agreement signed last week?
The agreement revolves around different issues. It guarantees that private college staff will be redeployed into parastatal organisations in case of school closures in 'suitable posts and no less favourable terms'. Secondly, a committee will be set up to ensure that a planning is done in regards to school closures and redeployment of staff.
Are all the trade unions on the same wave length?
Apparently not. The president of the UPSEE, Yayah Paraouty, has pointed out that the statements made by different parties has created confusion. He has also stated that the strike would not have been a success, had it been maintained, as he had allegedly lacked support. Moreover, last Thursday, the Secondary and Preparatory School Teachers and other Staff Union (SPSTSU) had announced that it would not, for legal reasons, participate in the strike.
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