Private Teachers Protest In Beau-Bassin Over 1-Month Delay In Salary Payments

Private school teachers gathered in a peaceful protest outside the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) headquarters on 31 March, following a dispute over delayed salary adjustments and deteriorating employment standards.

The demonstration, organised by the Union of Private Secondary Education Employees (UPSEE), was sparked by a circular issued on 10 March.

The document revealed that salary realignments under the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) report would not be implemented until the end of April.

Union leaders claim the delay contradicts previous government directives regarding salary payments.

UPSEE Secretary Dain Jahajeeah described the situation as “a month of suffering,” noting that many staff were relying on the arrears to meet expenses for the Easter holidays.

Administrative Failures

The union also highlighted a broader “breakdown” in the private education sector. UPSEE President Arvind Bhojun cited significant administrative delays, including:

• Unpaid benefits for retired teachers and bereaved families.
• Processing delays for car loans.
• Discrepancies between hours worked and pay received.
• Lengthy waiting periods for new staff to receive their first pay cheque.

The union has now written to the Prime Minister calling for a governance review of the PSEA and requesting that the Ministry of Education take a more central role as an employer.

Escalating School Violence Sparks Safety Fears

In a separate development, education officials have raised the alarm over a “worrying spiral” of indiscipline and violence spilling out from classrooms and onto public transport.

The warning follows a violent altercation on a private bus in the south of the country.

A dispute reportedly began when a state college student behaved inappropriately towards a female passenger.

A private college student who intervened to defend her was subsequently physically assaulted.

Threats of Retaliation

The incident has threatened to escalate further, with reports of students planning “revenge” attacks after school hours.

The Rector of the private college involved has sought assistance from the Family Protection Brigade to sensitise students and de-escalate the tension.

Concerns are also growing regarding the safety of staff and the integrity of the learning environment. Sources report:

• Threats of violence against teachers and vandalism of their property.
• The alleged presence of illicit substances, including cannabis, on school grounds.
• A lack of follow-up from management regarding reported incidents.

The climate of insecurity is reportedly driving a decline in student numbers, as worried parents withdraw their children from affected institutions.

The situation has prompted urgent questions regarding whether all stakeholders in the education system are effectively fulfilling their duties.

Source: l’Express