Abstract:
This study aimed at exploring the perceptions of secondary school teachers about
the undertakings of the Teachers Union of Malawi in enhancing teacher welfare in the
Northern Education Division. The main objective was to explore the perceptions of
teacher members about Teachers Union of Malawi practices in enhancing the
welfare of teachers. The study was guided by Social capital theory. It was a
qualitative study that utilised an interpretive case design and data was collected
through interviews and document analysis. The sample, selected by purposeful,
convenience and snowball sampling, consisted of 20 teachers who were members of
TUM and 3 administrators of TUM in Mzimba district. The data was coded,
categorized, and analysed using a both deductive and inductive thematic approach,
and presented through description. The study found out that teachers felt that the
Teachers Union of Malawi was partly effective in its effort at improving the welfare of
teachers. The study also found out that the union is not doing enough in improving
teachers’ welfare because of several factors like, lack of the union administrators’
grassroots visits, political interference in the union, lack of teachers’ involvement in
the union and also improper channels of communication between teacher members
and the union administrators. Based on the above findings, the following
recommendations were made: TUM should provide regular trainings and awareness
among trade union members and Teachers Union of Malawi should expand from its
focus on traditional roles that centre much on negotiation of salaries to include the
establishment of sustainable schemes that have significant impact on the side of
members. The study also recommended that TUM has to ensure that there is always
an organic link between the union and its members at the grassroots level to
facilitate proper communication and ensure teacher members involvement in TUM.
