THE striking teachers are prepared to suspend their strike, provided that the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) leadership and the government talk to them.

Speaking at a media conference at the Ella Du Plessis Secondary School yesterday, the Khomas teachers' representative, Silume Simataa, said they wanted to know how far the salary negotiations had gone.

He called on Nantu leaders and government officials to inform them about the status of their negotiations.

"If you are negotiating on behalf of teachers, what is there to be kept secret? We should know what is on the table," he said.

"The bargaining agents [Nantu] have so far refused to reveal the package of whatever they are negotiating with the government," he said.

Simataa said they couldn't be forced to go back to work, as this would be tantamount to "forced labour".

"We know our responsibilities but want to address our rights first before we come to our obligations," he said.

He said the strikers would continue gathering at the Khomasdal Stadium until their voices were heard.