DEBS irk PROTUZ over duty pay

THE Professional Teachers Union of Zambia (PROTUZ) is disturbed by reports that some district education board secretaries (DEBS) intend to deny some teachers responsibility allowances.

PROTUZ director for public relations and international affairs Brian Mwila says some DEBS in Zambia have informed teachers that only those with 28 periods and above per week will be paid responsibility allowances.

“If this is true, then the move by the said authorities is not only illegal but frustrating, demotivating and aimed at inciting teachers to rise against government. It should be noted that responsibility allowance is one of the negotiated for allowances.

“It should be paid to deserving teachers by virtue of them teaching grades above their professional qualifications and according to the terms which govern the said allowance as enshrined in the current collective agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and PROTUZ,” Mr. Mwila said in a statement yesterday.

He said the union is fully aware that the first excuse was that Smart Zambia and Public Service Management Division (PSMD) had suspended end-users from accessing payroll to work on new inputs but now almost all end-users are back and working.

He said this means the issue of not paying responsibility allowance to PROTUZ members should not be there.

Mr. Mwila said if the issue of 28 periods and above is now being used as second excuse so that deserving members are not paid the allowance, PROTUZ is not ready to accept that.