‘AUDIT TEACHERS’ UNIONS’

THEREis need for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to institute independent audits of teacher’s unions, Anti Multiple Teacher Unionism Movement in Zambia chairperson Samuel Mbumba has said.

Dr Mbumba said accountability in unions had reduced due to the increased number of those in management positions occupying offices in the labour movement.

He said the decision by some union leaders to refuse to vacate n positions was suspicious hence the need for independent audits.

“Some teacher unions have not been giving financial reports and we will not rest until they are made to account for the resources,” Dr Mbumba said.

Dr Mbumba said the directive by the Ministry of Labour for teachers in management to vacate union positions will help improve service delivery.

“We are happy with the directive from the Ministry of Labour that all unions that are entertaining executive members that hold management positions should by December 31 vacate offices,” he said.

Dr Mbumba said the occupation of union positions by those in management have prevented teachers from accessing unions.

Dr Mbumba said teachers have failed to effectively participate in union matters for fear of the superiors such as Head teachers and those from District Education Board Secretary Offices.

Dr Mbumba said unions were for teachers and not for those in management.

He has called on unions to rise and ensure that all executive members who are refusing to step down after the directive are made to leave.

Dr Mbumba said threats by some teacher unions that they will decampaign the government are misplaced because they do not have membership.