Sarawak Teachers’ Union reinforces its commitment to members’ welfare and growth

KUCHING: The Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) has reaffirmed its commitment to remain the largest and most relevant teachers’ union in the state.

STU president Kullin Djayang stressed that the newly elected leadership is determined to further strengthen the union’s position and ensure it continues to provide valuable benefits to its members.

He invited teachers across Sarawak to join STU, noting the substantial advantages available to members, especially in legal support.

“One of the most important benefits we offer is free legal advice for all members. Additionally, legal fees for trials will be discounted to ease the financial burden on our members.

“The Legal Aid Fund, approved in the previous biennial delegates conference (BDC), will help support these efforts.

“However, we have been advised by the Labour Department (JHEKS) not to get involved in criminal misconduct cases,” he said in a statement.

Kullin added that STU also provides other welfare benefits, including an attractive insurance scheme with rates much lower than external providers, death benefits for members and their immediate families, retirement incentives, and rewards for members who recruit new members.

Furthermore, members’ children who achieve excellent results in public examinations are eligible for academic incentives.

The union also partners with numerous merchants across Sarawak to offer special discounts to its members.

Additionally, he highlighted STU’s collaboration with national and international bodies, such as Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CEUPACS), Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), Education International, and the Asean Council of Teachers (ACT+1).

“We are always ready to work with the ruling government and key agencies like the Public Service Department (JPA), Ministry of Education (KPM), and the state education departments (JPN and PPD).

“However, as a union, we hold a much broader role compared to associations or foundations,” he said.

On the same note, Kullin asserted that STU plays a pivotal role in advocating for teachers’ rights, particularly in discussions on government policies affecting salaries, allowances, leave entitlements, school welfare, and teacher housing.

“The union has also contributed significantly to the introduction of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which aims to improve civil servants’ incomes, including teachers,” he sId.

Following STU’s BDC recently, several new faces were appointed to the union’s top leadership positions for the 2024-2026 term.

Kullin continues to serve as president, while the new deputy president is Yong Sing Hie.

Other changes include the appointment of Willis Unjie Ganyai (Southern Zone), Karen Goh Wei Mei (Central Zone), Christopher Tawi Tibin (Northern Zone), and Elina Sian (Women’s Bureau) as vice presidents.

Chung Fui San remains the general secretary, with Kenneth Jampang as deputy general secretary.

The assistant general secretary roles are filled by Jarod Yong Jik Kam, Imelda Nyaun, and Aniza Yusup. Meanwhile, Chan Chiew Sze serves as the general treasurer, and Valerie Bong Siew Fong takes on the role of deputy treasurer.

Looking ahead, STU is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, marking the union’s diamond jubilee.

Major celebrations are planned across Sarawak, and all members, including new teachers and those yet to join STU, are encouraged to participate in the programmes as a show of support and appreciation for the union’s long-standing efforts.