Exploratory Study about the Challenges and Opportunities of Teacher Unions in Punjab

Abstract

Teacher unions are the platform for the voice of teaching community. Teacher unions are working around the world. In Pakistan there are many teacher unions working for the protection of rights of teachers. Present study is the part of my PhD dissertation on the role of teacher unions in addressing educational problems in Punjab. Purpose of the qualitative study was to understand and explore the challenges and opportunities of teacher unions in addressing educational problems. The study was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan. Theoretical framework of Murray and Wood was followed in this study which was consisted on four theories addressing structure and functions of unionization. These theories are Unitarism, Pluralism, Radical or Class Conflict and Trade Unions as Social Movements. Constructivist paradigms followed in this study. The study was qualitative in nature and Narrative Design was be used. Present study was delimited to Punjab Teacher Union one of the largest union in Pakistan in last ten years. Participant for the study are the members of Punjab Teacher Union (PTU). Semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions was used to collect data from the participants. Narrative analysis approach was used for data analysis. The current study contributed to the existing literature in many ways by examining current challenges faced by of the teacher unions as polarization, communication gap, gap between objectives and practices and discontinuation of union elections. The study will be helpful for teacher unions to meet these challenges for an
effective role. It was resulted from the study that teacher unions have many opportunities like pressure groups, collective bargaining and a definite platform for the teaching community. They can use these opportunities in development of education. The study will also provide an opportunity to policy makers and other stake holders of education system to have an insight to education problems which are faced by teachers and highlighted in this study.