Namibia Teacher Strike Could Close Schools

Want a salary increase, government says strike is illegal

A NATIONWIDE teachers' strike which might lead to the closure of some schools in the country is imminent if Government does not promptly respond to the call of teachers by increasing their salaries.

The Minister of Education, Abraham Iyambo, at a media conference yesterday issued a veiled threat against the striking teachers, saying the strike is illegal and that the provisions of the law applicable to illegal industrial action will be applied.

The principle of 'no work no pay' among others applies to illegal strike action.

More than 400 teachers from the Khomas Region who took part in a strike yesterday stated that until their demands for a salary increase are met, they will not return to school and will continue to demonstrate at the Ministry of Education office premises.