National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) has called on Uganda government and relevant employers to expedite commitments towards equitable salary enhancements and timely payments to all teachers without discrimination.
The federation demands for fair and timely remuneration, improved working conditions ranging from decent staff housing to adequate classrooms and learning apparatuses plus ensuring safety and dignity in the workplace.
NOTU calls upon the government, employers, parents, civil society, and the general public to move past rhetoric and take concrete actions to safeguard the welfare of teachers and non-teaching staff.
In a Press Statement issued today to commemorate this year’s World Teachers Day NOTU Secretary General Mr Richard Bigirwa said teachers shape children, build communities, and lay the vital foundation for socio-economic transformation but work under indecent and deplorable working conditions.
He said: “Teachers shape our children, build our communities, and lay the vital foundation for our socio-economic transformation. Yet, as we mark this important day, teachers work under indecent and deplorable working conditions.”
.Mr Bigirwa said NOTU demands respect for labor rights and dialogue between employers and workers adding that they stand with teachers and education related unions that reject intimidation on staff seeking redress on welfare.
He said:” Industrial harmony is only achievable through genuine, transparent, and respectful social dialogue rather than threats of suspension and dismissal.”.
The NOTU Secretary General said they demand structured, continuous career support and upskilling opportunities that follow teachers and non-teaching staff throughout their professional career.
“Teachers and non-teaching staff are the bedrock of Uganda’s world of work. If the custodian of knowledge operates in an environment of constant economic distress and professional uncertainty then our children would be affected,” he said.
The federation thanked government for continued efforts to improve the working conditions in learning institutions including the 25% salary increment to the Arts teachers and implementation of the Public Service Pension Fund scheme (Contributory arrangement,) among others.
Mr Bigirwa thanked Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) and Uganda Private Teachers Union (UPTU) for tireless efforts in negotiating employment terms, protecting workers’ rights, and influencing broader educational policies in Uganda.
He also extended appreciation to National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) and Non-Teaching Staff Union for tireless contributions in ensuring decent work and social justice in learning institutions and workplaces.