BusinessLive reports that teachers’ unions have slated a proposal by the Democratic Alliance (DA) for a limit to be placed on the right to strike in the education sector.  

In a discussion document on essential service in education, the DA called for a limitation on the right of principals to stop work.  The ANC has also previously called for teaching to be declared an essential service.  DA MP Ian Ollis said:  "It is vital that principals and support staff at schools are declared an essential service as this will result in children being protected from the adverse effects of protest action."  SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the DA’s proposal was a political gimmick.  He added:  "Principals are workers in terms of the Labour Relations Act and qualify for all the rights that other workers qualify for, including the right to strike."  Basil Manuel of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA (Naptosa) echoed Maluleke’s views, saying "teaching and the position of principals cannot be declared an essential service".

• Read this report by Bekezela Phakathi in full at BusinessLive
• See too, DA wants jobs of principals, deputies declared essential services, at EWN

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page