The PASIDY School Staff Sector has decided to take action in protest against the Ministry of Education’s (YPAN) failure to address longstanding issues affecting the sector. This decision was made during its Annual Nationwide General Assembly, and the measures have been in effect since 5 March.
According to an official statement released today, the PASIDY School Staff Sector highlights the sector’s understaffing, with the number of head teachers remaining unchanged over the past two decades, despite the rapid increase in the number of schools, students, and overall needs. Additionally, the lack of a formal framework for the transfer of head teachers has allowed for undue interventions in deciding which caretaker is assigned to which school or school board.
The statement also notes that teachers working in the State Institutes of Further Education (KIE) receive salaries proportionate to the number of students enrolled in each institute for that specific year. Furthermore, it emphasises that caretakers belong to the A2-A5-A7(ii) pay scale, the lowest salary scale in the public sector.
Unpaid summer months for KIE teachers
The PASIDY School Staff Sector points out that, as the KIE do not operate in July and August, teachers working there are forced to suspend their employment during those months and are not paid. Moreover, they are ineligible for unemployment benefits, as they are expected to be rehired in September. The sector argues that these employees could be utilised during the summer months to prepare for the new academic year and to provide early information to parents and students, thereby increasing interest in KIE enrolments.
Unresolved issues despite repeated meetings
The statement further highlights that, despite numerous letters sent to the YPAN administration and multiple meetings with ministers, general directors, and other ministry officials over the past decade, no substantial progress has been made. Even after their last meeting in October, during which they received specific commitments with set timelines, no concrete results have emerged.
Action and possible escalation
As a result, the General Assembly of the School Staff Sector has decided to implement the following measures:
- Caretakers assigned to school boards will no longer carry out any duties related to public kindergartens or pre-primary schools, except for processing the salaries of school employees.
- Caretakers will refuse to perform any tasks that are not included in their official job descriptions.
- They will not work beyond their standard working hours.
- In cases of long-term absence of colleagues without a replacement being assigned, caretakers will not take on additional responsibilities beyond their own duties.
The statement confirms that these measures have been in effect since 5 March 2025 and warns that further escalation, including a 24-hour general strike of all employees, is not ruled out if deemed necessary.
“Our intention is not to cause inconvenience to children or any citizens but to push for the resolution of the long-standing issues affecting our sector. These problems have persisted for years, negatively impacting both our staff and the quality of work within school environments,” the PASYDY School Staff Sector concludes in its announcement.
Also read: Mandatory parental/guardians’ notification for kindergarten absences
