Iskandhar School union name dispute raised in parliament

A dispute over the use of Iskandhar School's name by a teachers' association was raised in Parliament on Wednesday, prompting questions to Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu.

The issue stems from the registration of an association called the "Iskandhar Workers' Union", which was formed by teachers at the school and registered last year.

The matter gained attention after the school's management informed staff that the association would not be recognised and would not be permitted to conduct activities on school premises.

During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir questioned the minister about the matter, arguing that the right to form associations is guaranteed to workers and asking why the teachers were being prevented from exercising that right.

Responding to the questions, Shafeeu said existing regulations governing institutional operations do not accommodate such associations within schools.

According to the minister, while regulations allow the formation of associations, there are restrictions on naming them.

He said associations are not permitted to use the names of state institutions or names that could create confusion with government entities.

Shafeeu argued that the use of "Iskandhar" in the association's name falls within that restriction.

“Unlike public corporations and regular offices, schools are unique environments that carry distinct characteristics and require certain restrictions,” the minister said.

He added that schools hold significance for students, parents, teachers and alumni, and said he does not believe associations should be formed using the names of schools, including Iskandhar School or Majeedhiyya School.

The minister said he intends to refer the matter to the relevant authorities for further review.

He also stated that opportunities would continue to be provided within schools to protect and represent teachers' interests, but that groups would not be permitted to operate under the names of educational institutions.

In a follow-up question, Mauroof asked how the association had been registered if regulations prohibited such a name. He also noted that the association had previously been recognised by other state institutions, including an invitation from the Ministry of Homeland Security to participate in May Day activities.

Shafeeu responded that the association appeared to have been registered without sufficient review and said the ministry would examine how the registration was approved.

The minister also pointed to the existence of a national teachers' association, saying it already serves as a platform to represent educators.

He warned against the development of separate associations within individual schools, arguing that such arrangements could create divisions among teaching staff.

The matter is expected to be reviewed by the relevant authorities following the minister's remarks in Parliament.