TRADE unions must lead the campaign for better pay and working conditions for teachers, says the International Labour Organization’s Pacific Island Countries director Martin Wandera.
He said this important role played a huge part in addressing the global teacher shortage crisis.
Mr Wandera told the recent Pacific Regional Dialogue on the Go Public! Fund Education in Nadi, the crisis threatens the global ability to deliver quality education for all and undermines broader social and economic development because education is the key to success.
“And you can only have meaningful education if you have the right quality of teachers who are fully empowered,” he said.
“The teaching profession must, therefore, be grounded in the principles of decent work. That should include fair pay, safe working environment, access to quality development, adequate staffing and respect for the right to organise and to organise in social dialogue.”
Mr Wandera said unions were important in advocating for full implementation of national education policies.
“Furthermore, teachers’ unions will be required to strengthen solidarity to ensure fair remuneration and safe working conditions, promoting inclusive representation and ensuring that all unions participate in national and regional advocacy.”
Mr Wandera said particular attention was needed in the context where teacher associations remained weak.