Moriti scheme a lifeline for teachers’ families – BTU
Pini Bothoko | Monday May 18, 2026 06:00
While acknowledging concerns raised by some members regarding consultation and affordability, the union says the scheme reflects its broader vision of evolving beyond traditional labour representation to provide long-term protection against life-altering challenges such as death, disability, critical illness and accidents for its members. BTU said it wanted to diffuse misconceptions and efforts to decampaign a noble scheme for the benefit of the many. BTU says that due process and consultations leading to a collective decision/resolution were conducted, and that communication was made through a memorandum dated May 8, 2026, informing them that the scheme would take effect at the end of this month.
Contacted to clarify issues raised by concerned members, the BTU Secretary General, Norman Baraedi, said he had announced the formal implementation of the Moriti GLA scheme following a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held on April 18, 2026.
Baraedi also said BTU acknowledges that introducing a new product across a large and diverse membership base requires ongoing education and engagement. He said the union has acknowledged that with members spread across hundreds of schools nationwide, not all members will immediately understand the product in the same way and at the same time.
Regarding the scheme's mandatory nature, Baraedi told Mmegi that in instances where members have similar products and are unwilling to take them, such members will be assisted to opt out of the compulsory bracket.
Asked about the importance of having multiple policies, Baraedi clarified that it is a common misconception that a single policy is sufficient. “In reality, different policies serve different financial purposes and serve distinct roles. While a member may have existing cover, Moriti GLA is designed for income replacement and debt settlement, rather than just immediate expenses. Given rising inflation, layering coverage ensures that a family's total protection remains sufficient to meet modern living costs,” he said.
Under the Moriti GLA scheme, members will contribute a monthly payroll deduction of P95. Baraedi further acknowledged the concerns about the P95 premium in today's economic climate.
“However, it is important to view this as a value proposition: The Value Gap: For P95, a member typically receives a payout significantly higher than what a private, individual policy would offer for the same price. While the deduction is felt monthly, the cost of being uninsured is far higher, often leading to a cycle of debt for grieving families. It is a strategic move to prevent the cycle of debt that often follows the loss of a breadwinner. As the BTU, we remain committed to transparent communication with our members to ensure they understand that this is an investment in their family’s future security, rather than just an additional expense,” he explained.
Baraedi said over the years, the Union has received increasing requests for financial assistance from members and families facing life-altering situations such as critical illness, permanent disability, accidents and the loss of a breadwinner. These challenges he highlighted often place significant emotional and financial strain on families, particularly when medical costs, loss of income, loans, school fees, and household responsibilities are compounded.
“While the existing funeral scheme continues to provide important funeral support and dignity during bereavement, BTU recognised the need for a broader protection solution that supports members and their beneficiaries before funeral-related circumstances arise. Between life and death, members and their dependents often face many other critical challenges that require urgent financial intervention long before funeral support becomes necessary,” Baraedi added. Baraedi indicated that the Moriti GLA was established to provide long-term financial security that individual policies often lack. By leveraging collective bargaining, he said members access substantial life cover and living benefits, such as payouts for critical illness and disability, at a fraction of the market cost, without the need for medical examinations. He said this ensures every member has a professional financial safety net for their survivors.
He said at the centre of BTU’s transformation is Moriti, a flagship Group Life Assurance product, reflecting the Union’s evolving role not only as a labour movement, but also as a lifelong partner in the wellbeing and financial security of educators.
“Moriti represents one of the most significant welfare innovations introduced by the Union in recent years. It reflects BTU’s broader vision of redefining what it means to belong to a modern trade union, one where member welfare extends beyond labour representation into long-term protection, financial security, dignity and family wellbeing.”
He pointed out that for many years, trade unions across Africa have largely been associated with salary negotiations, labour rights and workplace advocacy. Baraedi emphasised that while these remain fundamental pillars of unionism, BTU is building a broader ecosystem of strategic member benefits designed to improve members’ lives both inside and outside the workplace.
Baraedi stated that, given the misconceptions around the scheme, BTU has decided to commit to ongoing awareness campaigns and engagement sessions to ensure members fully understand the structure, value, and benefits of the scheme. The union also indicated that MPI officers will conduct training and awareness sessions throughout May to support the rollout process, with the scheme expected to be fully operational by May 31, 2026.
The scheme offers a death benefit of P200,000 payable to beneficiaries, total and permanent disability cover of up to P50,000, critical illness cover of up to P50,000 for conditions such as cancer and stroke, and accidental cover of P20,000.