By Shukry Rashid
Photo by Singapore Teachers' Union
Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng had a dialogue session with some 100 Singapore Teachers’ Union delegates on 13 April 2018 at the NTUC Centre.
Parking Fees
On the subject of teachers to eventually pay for parking fees at schools, one of the delegates said that even though she agrees that it is time for teachers to pay something for parking, consideration must be given to the money teachers spend on teaching materials – all out of their own pocket.
Mr Ng replied that the decision process, which took him two years, was difficult.
“I see the respect our public has for our teachers,” and that if he could decide with his heart, he would fully agree that teachers should not be paying parking charges.
He reasoned that he had to look at the bigger system when the Auditor-General’s Officer and the Public Service Division imposed certain rules on MOE.
He iterated: “If we think with our heads, Singapore system is fair. Everyone can be expected to be treated fairly.”
Mg Ng said that to address the issue of teachers paying out of pocket for teaching materials, MOE can consider topping up the School Operating Funds.
Understanding the Union
Mr Ng also asked the delegates if their school leaders have been supportive of their involvement in the union.
One of the delegates said that she noticed the older school leaders, who had gone through the hardship era with union members, tended to understand the dynamics of labour-management relations.
The delegate, who has been teaching for the past 21 years, said that nowadays when she wants to leave for union-related activities, she would be asked by current school leaders why she is leaving for something that has nothing to do with the school.
She reiterated that it is important for school leaders to understand union work.
Mr Ng ended the dialogue by saying that one of the reasons that younger teachers should join STU is because the union is a voice and an added channel to articulate their issues to MOE.
