In a recent interview on Guineetoday, Mohamed Bangoura, also known as "Romeo," who is the head of communications for the Syndicat Libre des Enseignants et Chercheurs de Guinée (SLECG), addressed the tense situation surrounding non-integrated contract teachers. He emphasized that negotiations remain open but stressed the need for the government to respect signed agreements. Bangoura warned against imposing a new tablet-based exam.
According to Bangoura, the current impasse with the government lies in the Ministry of Public Function, specifically regarding point 7 of the August 3, 2024, protocol agreement. This point stipulates that non-retained communal contract teachers who have completed classroom training and biometric identification will be given priority in future recruitment. Bangoura disputes the government's interpretation of "engagement," arguing that it should not be limited to mere participation but rather to the actual recruitment of teachers.
Bangoura cited data showing that 4,568 contract teachers were unfairly excluded from recruitment in 2024 due to regional quotas. These teachers had passed evaluations, biometric identification, and classroom practice exams, with scores ranging from 10 to 18. He also recalled written promises from the Minister of Education that these teachers would be prioritized in future recruitment.
The SLECG spokesperson also addressed the situation in Conakry, where contract teachers have not undergone biometric identification, classroom practice exams, or other assessments. He stated that the intersyndicale (SLECG, FSPE, SNE) agrees that these teachers should undergo identification, biometric screening, and classroom practice exams, but not a tablet-based exam.
Bangoura discussed the issue of blocked salaries for some teachers, citing a commission tasked with verifying the blockages. He claimed that the Ministry of Public Function maintains that salaries are unblocked, despite evidence to the contrary. Bangoura also highlighted the plight of temporary contract workers in the Education Ministry, including drivers and typists who have not received salaries for years.
Despite the tensions, Bangoura emphasized that the SLECG prioritizes dialogue and only considers strike action as a last resort. He warned that if the government violates the protocol agreement, the union will not hesitate to take action. Bangoura stressed that the agreement has the force of law and that those who act in accordance with it are protected.
In conclusion, Bangoura summarized the union's demands, including the recruitment of 4,568 teachers already in the FUGAS file and the exemption of Conakry contract teachers from a tablet-based exam. The SLECG insists that these teachers undergo classroom practice exams instead. The situation remains unresolved, with the government yet to respond to the union's concerns.
Key points
- The Guinean government is urged to respect agreements with teachers' unions and prioritize the recruitment of 4,568 contract teachers.
- The SLECG warns against imposing a new tablet-based exam on contract teachers in Conakry.
- The union prioritizes dialogue but is prepared to take strike action if agreements are not honored.
