Teachers' unions, BEC agree
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday October 11, 2022 17:02
Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) and Botswana Sector of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) have been embroiled in an unending impasse with the exams body over the rates and other related conditions of service, concerning coursework, invigilation, and marking for the 2022–23 cycle.
The unions had refused to discuss the rates and other related conditions of service, coursework, invigilation, and marking of external examinations outside a formal structure in the form of a Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding.
The standoff led to the unions advising their members to down tools and not partake in any BEC activities.
However, following the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe's intervention, the parties decided to start negotiations during the weekend, which were concluded on Sunday evening. Parties agreed that coursework and invigilation rates will be increased by five percent for this circle of examinations.
The parties also agreed that teachers be paid arrears for the 2011 Standard 4 Attainment Test and payment of the same for the 2022 cycle.
All non-taxable services included in the composite fee should not be taxed effective this year.
“There will be no victimisation of teachers who refused to participate in external examinations and related activities,” reads part of the agreement.
Furthermore, it was resolved that all letters of demand which were given to teachers as a result of their actions to withhold coursework marks and refuse to invigilate external examinations should be rescinded.
This now means that members of these unions could commence carrying out all BEC activities for the year 2022, which include coursework marking, moderation, invigilation, and registering for marking.