Coronavirus: Malawi teachers threaten to strike over virus risk allowance

03 Septembre 2020

Lilongwe, Malawi, September 3 (Infosplusgabon) - Teachers in Malawi have threatened to boycott the opening of schools next week if they are not paid a coronavirus (Covid-19) risk allowance.

Schools in the southern African country are expected to resume face-to-face classes from Monday after being closed in March to avert the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to a statement from the Department of Education, Deputy Education minister Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima on Wednesday said the government was discussing the risk allowance for teachers.

"I want to assure teachers that government is discussing the issue of risk allowances, and they together with the nation at large will be informed on resolutions when discussions are concluded," she said during an assessment visit to schools in Nkhata Bay district.

"There is need for community members, teachers, traditional leaders, parents, learners and students to join hands in strictly adhering to all Covid-19 preventive measures and set guidelines as schools re-open on 7 September."

Independent newspaper The Nation reported that some teachers had vowed during a media conference in Lilongwe not to return to class unless the government paid them risk allowances.

Teachers Union chairperson Staffuel Chitukuta said teachers would be exposed to the risk of contracting the virus as they would share the same learning and teaching materials with hundreds of students.

Chitukuta said the government had not been forthcoming in addressing teachers' grievances raised through their mother body.

The general secretary of the Teachers Union of Malawi, Charles Kumchenga told the newspaper that he was aware some educators had resolved to stage a sit-in soon should schools open without the government coming out clearly with its position on risk allowances.

He said the deadline to decide whether teachers should return to work was Saturday.

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