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A memorandum of understanding signed by the Malagasy Ministry of Education and trade unions and associations infringes trade union rights, according to teacher trade unions in Madagascar.

Madagascar: Calls for dialogue around trade union rights and quality education

A memorandum of understanding signed by the Malagasy Ministry of Education and trade unions and associations infringes trades union rights, according to teacher trade unions in Madagascar.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed recently by the Ministry and some trade unions; however, seven trade unions, including the Fédération Chrétienne des Enseignants et Employés de l’Education(FEKRIMPAMA), an affiliate of Education International, were not invited to sign the MOU.

At a capacity building workshop in Ambatomirahavavy from 1-3 April, FEKRIMPAMA’s Federal Bureau and other trade union participants studied the MOU and concluded that it included many infringements of trade union rights.

The FEKRIMPAMA is asking Education Minister Paul Rabary to denounce this MOU “which remains a precedent that is harmful to democracy, a continuing threat to public freedoms in general for Madagascar and to trade union rights in particular”.

The union has noted “a resurgence of abuses and, in particular, muzzling by this memorandum of understanding, which will one day lead to the dissolution of apolitical trade unions not invited to sign the memorandum of understanding”, according to Jean Paul Emile Rakotozafy, FEKRIMPAMA General Secretary.

Call for dialogue

The FEKRIMPAMA wishes to initiate negotiations with the Ministry of Education to discuss the withdrawal of this MOU. Should these negotiations fail, it is willing to turn to the Malagasy courts, and then file a complaint with the International Labour Organisation for violations to trade union rights.

In addition, the trade union has condemned “the excessive politicisation of the education sector”, and the resurgence of “facts and acts denounced in the education system since the political crisis of 1972”, all teachers being forced, in one way or another, to join the party of the President of the Republic, the Hery Vaovao ho an'i Madagasikara(HVM).

Rakotozafy outlined how the leaders of school districts are changed and appointed on the proposal of the local HVM members of parliament (MPs). He also expressed the opinion that, on the eve of local elections, associations and student parents' association are being pressured to ensure victory for HVM candidates, regardless of their political leanings.

Manifesto for quality education

The FEKRIMPAMA has previously raised its concerns about the education sector with the Ministry. In October 2014, at a National Education Convention organised by the government (in power since February 2014), the FEKRIMPAMA presented its manifesto for education in Madagascar. In it, the trade union deplores the commodification of the education sector and the deprofessionalisation of teachers.

It also insists on the achievement of quality education ensuring equal opportunities for all Malagasy children without distinction, namely through free and compulsory primary education. The FEKRIMPAMA believes that quality education requires, among other things: respect for inclusive educational infrastructure standards, an education environment safe from acts of banditry and violence, good governance in respect of its personnel, and ensuring the teaching profession is given a noble and attractive image.

The FEKRIMPAMA also supports a linguistic policy which enables all Malagasy individuals, from all social strata, to speak Malagasy, French, and English in their daily lives.