The local teachers Association, Sosaiete Faiaoga Samoa  (SFS), is staying clear of any links with the teachers strike in neighbouring American Samoa.
“Unfortunately, we have no relationship with the teachers in American Samoan,” says SFS President Gatoloai tilianamua Afamasaga.
 “We have tried in the past to establish links with them to no avail,” says Gatoloai
The SFS President  is unaware of the status of the organization (if any) of the teachers on strike.
Teachers in American Samoan are not affiliated with any of the regional or international organizations the SFS is involved with, so the local body is keeping their distance.
“Samoa is associated with both the Council of Pacific Teachers which is the regional body for teachers and also Education International both of which American Samoa is not a member of.
“My initial reaction  of the strike was whether theose iinvolved were properly organized, considering that they are not part of any organization even the National Education Association of America.”
Gatoloai added that she has no understanding of what the strike is about and right now she is just working with the Ministry on improving the standards and working conditions of Samoan teachers.
“All the organizations that we are part of contact us as soon something regarding the welfare of teachers come up, but because they are not allied to any of these organizations we have no reason to get involved.”
Gatoloai assured  there are no plans for Samoan teachers to strike as they are generally happy with their working conditions.
“We are constantly working to ensure teachers are happy with their working conditions,” she explained, “we always try to resolve all problems as they come instead of leaving them in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening.”
A document is currently being put in place to be taken to cabinet which includes recommendations to improve the working conditions of Samoan teachers.

 cap : President of Sosaiete Faiaoga Samoa, Gatoloai Ms. Tilianamua Afamasaga
 

---

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Add Comment