::History of STU Kuching Division

On 29th March 1965, the formation of the Sarawak Teachers' Union was duly recognised and registered by the Registrar of Trade Union. Before that there existed several Teachers' Associations such as the Kuching Teachers' Association, the Sibu Chinese Teachers' Association and the Sarawak Taiwan Graduates Association.

At that time, teachers were classified as Government, Government Aided and Private teachers. Though teachers from Government and Government Aided schools had to abide by the same regulations, government and government-aided school teachers were not give the same terms and conditions of service, especially in terms of fringe benefits such as housing loans, teachers' quarters, travelling allowance, just to mention a few. Thus with the formation of STU the teachers wre able to negotiate from a position of unity and strength, the union set about redressing these inequalities.

Membership was from Government aided schools (Teachers from Government schools were not allowed to join any trade union at that time) majority of the members were Chinese. This led to the misconception that STU was formed by the Chinese teachers for Chinese teachers. This unfortunate and sad misconception is still being held by many teachers. In truth, STU is open to all eachers irrespective of race and creed.

Due to the foresight of our past dynamic leaders, STU was affiliated to International and National Organisations. We join : WCOTP on 3rd August, 1966 IFFTU on 19th July, 1972 MTUC on 1st May, 1975 NJC (Staff Side) For Education Service in 1986 We are also a member of the Asean Council of Teachers (ACT) since 1980. As a member of the National Joint Council (NJC) for the Teaching Profession, our union can negotiate directly on behalf of our members with the highest authorities in our country. Over the years, International Affiliates such as the American Federation of Teachers, Canadian Teachers' Federation, the Australian Teachers' Federation and International Confederation of Free Trade Unions have given, through WCOTP, IFFTU and MTUC, invaluable service and help. They have sponsored and sent personnel to help run seminars and courses, which have help STU tremendously. Futhermore, WCOTP and IFFTU sponsored our delegates to their world and Regional Conferences.

When STU was formed it had no premises of its own. So for several years, meetings were held in St. Thomas' school canteen, and an unused classroom as office. Since 1970, STU had been organising various projects to raise funds for its own building. It was through the good office of our Former President, Puan Irene Tan, that the State Government allocated the site for the present STU Building, which was declared open by the State Secretary on the 15th December, 1980.

In the past, members had to pay their subscriptions by cash. Quite often, they faced the problems of not knowing where or whom to pay. Therefore, even though, every year quite a large number of members had been recruited, there were also many dropping out due to the non-payment of fees. Since the introduction of the check-off system in 1984, the membership has greatly increased. As a result, the financial situation also improves. Within the increased revenue, more visits can be made to the branches, thus strengthening the bond of solidarity between grass-root members and headquarters. Another good sign is the keen interest shown by some members, who can look beyond their immediate needs, who are positive and constructive in their approach to union problems. We need more members of this type.

We also enjoy cordial relations with the officials in various sections of the Education Department. The education officers in the Divisional and District levels are most helpful and co-operative. STU will certainly continue to organise trade union education programmes for the benefits and enlightenment of its members. This will in turn strengthen the branches. Strong viable branches lead to a strong STU. Top priority is given to expose STU to teachers, to train more teachers to take over from the present leadership. We have a broad base support through our affiliation to the various International and National Bodies and want to better our ties with them.

STU will continue to address itself to the problems facing teachers and current issues of the day, and press on with the unresolved resolutions. What members fail to realise and appreciate is that now education is a Federal matter, all legitimates requests have to go through the federal government, and this can be time consuming. The greatest obstacle that STU has to clear is teachers' apathy towards the union. The teachers do not see themselves as a part of the union, they regard the union as the sole property of the office bearers and the success or failure rests solely on these officials. The time when teachers start think "we are the UNION" and through the Union we can protect and promote our interests and welfare, essional matters, update our knowledge on education policy and education development, social issues and so forth. STU has always acted in responsible, disciplined, matured and co-operative manner and will continue to do so.

	Brief History of the Sarawak Teacher's Union On 29th March 1965, the formation of the Sarawak Teachers' Union was duly recognised and registered by the Registrar of Trade Union. Before that there existed several Teachers' Associations such as the Kuching Teachers' Association, the Sibu Chinese Teachers' Association and the Sarawak Taiwan Graduates Association. At that time, teachers were classified as Government, Government Aided and Private teachers. Though teachers from Government and Government Aided schools had to abide by the same regulations, government and government-aided school teachers were not give the same terms and conditions of service, especially in terms of fringe benefits such as housing loans, teachers' quarters, travelling allowance, just to mention a few. Thus with the formation of STU the teachers wre able to negotiate from a position of unity and strength, the union set about redressing these inequalities. Membership was from Government aided schools (Teachers from Government schools were not allowed to join any trade union at that time) majority of the members were Chinese. This led to the misconception that STU was formed by the Chinese teachers for Chinese teachers. This unfortunate and sad misconception is still being held by many teachers. In truth, STU is open to all eachers irrespective of race and creed. Due to the foresight of our past dynamic leaders, STU was affiliated to International and National Organisations. We join : WCOTP on 3rd August, 1966 IFFTU on 19th July, 1972 MTUC on 1st May, 1975 NJC (Staff Side) For Education Service in 1986 We are also a member of the Asean Council of Teachers (ACT) since 1980. As a member of the National Joint Council (NJC) for the Teaching Profession, our union can negotiate directly on behalf of our members with the highest authorities in our country. Over the years, International Affiliates such as the American Federation of Teachers, Canadian Teachers' Federation, the Australian Teachers' Federation and International Confederation of Free Trade Unions have given, through WCOTP, IFFTU and MTUC, invaluable service and help. They have sponsored and sent personnel to help run seminars and courses, which have help STU tremendously. Futhermore, WCOTP and IFFTU sponsored our delegates to their world and Regional Conferences. When STU was formed it had no premises of its own. So for several years, meetings were held in St. Thomas' school canteen, and an unused classroom as office. Since 1970, STU had been organising various projects to raise funds for its own building. It was through the good office of our Former President, Puan Irene Tan, that the State Government allocated the site for the present STU Building, which was declared open by the State Secretary on the 15th December, 1980. In the past, members had to pay their subscriptions by cash. Quite often, they faced the problems of not knowing where or whom to pay. Therefore, even though, every year quite a large number of members had been recruited, there were also many dropping out due to the non-payment of fees. Since the introduction of the check-off system in 1984, the membership has greatly increased. As a result, the financial situation also improves. Within the increased revenue, more visits can be made to the branches, thus strengthening the bond of solidarity between grass-root members and headquarters. Another good sign is the keen interest shown by some members, who can look beyond their immediate needs, who are positive and constructive in their approach to union problems. We need more members of this type. We also enjoy cordial relations with the officials in various sections of the Education Department. The education officers in the Divisional and District levels are most helpful and co-operative. STU will certainly continue to organise trade union education programmes for the benefits and enlightenment of its members. This will in turn strengthen the branches. Strong viable branches lead to a strong STU. Top priority is given to expose STU to teachers, to train more teachers to take over from the present leadership. We have a broad base support through our affiliation to the various International and National Bodies and want to better our ties with them. STU will continue to address itself to the problems facing teachers and current issues of the day, and press on with the unresolved resolutions. What members fail to realise and appreciate is that now education is a Federal matter, all legitimates requests have to go through the federal government, and this can be time consuming. The greatest obstacle that STU has to clear is teachers' apathy towards the union. The teachers do not see themselves as a part of the union, they regard the union as the sole property of the office bearers and the success or failure rests solely on these officials. The time when teachers start think "we are the UNION" and through the Union we can protect and promote our interests and welfare, essional matters, update our knowledge on education policy and education development, social issues and so forth. STU has always acted in responsible, disciplined, matured and co-operative manner and will continue to do so.	LINKS





		Affiliates
		MTUC
		CUEPACS
STU HQ / STU Kuching Division		EI
Tel: 082- 245727 Fax: 082-245757		ACT
139A, ROCK ROAD, 93200, KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

STU HQ / STU Kuching Division