Teachers have rejected the government’s salary offer of inflation plus 1%, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) said on Saturday.
The union said in a statement it stands by a consolidated demand of public service unions for an annual adjustment of inflation plus 8%.
”The union leadership will consult with all structures of the organisation and the membership will give direction as to what action the union should now take.”
Sadtu made the decision following the union’s annual meeting of its national general council in Johannesburg over the weekend.
The council met to develop policy and strategy for the union over the next years.
On job creation, Sadtu said it will call for an education-sector conference to assist in implementing the Growth and Development Summit agreements and the African National Congress manifesto commitments to combat poverty and create jobs.
It said the Department of Education faces the daunting task of carrying out existing policies and delivering quality education.
The union said there is a ”chronic” lack of coordination and planning in relation to aligning the further education and training curriculum with a new general education and training curriculum.
”This is causing confusion and hardship to learners after grade nine.
”The department must give clear leadership and provide adequate training and support for teachers and learners.”
Sadtu also said the department should progressively abolish school fees for poor learners. — Sapa