TEACHER UNIONS AS AGENTS OF CHANGE IN PUNJAB: ADDRESSING PROBLEMS, INFLUENCING POLICY, AND EMPOWERING MEMBERS

Abstract

This study explores the role of teacher unions in Punjab, Pakistan, highlighting how they act as agents of change by identifying educational problems, influencing policies, empowering members, and promoting reforms. Using a qualitative narrative approach, the researcher gathered real-life stories from experienced members of the Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) to understand their challenges and achievements. The findings show that teacher unions play a key role in spotting issues in the education system, such as high student-teacher ratios, irrelevant curriculum changes, and unnecessary non-teaching duties for teachers. Unions raise these problems at different forums and suggest solutions to improve education quality. However, their involvement in official policy-making remains limited. While they sometimes influence recruitment and transfer policies through pressure and negotiations, unions are often left out of major national decisions, such as curriculum reforms. Another important function of unions is creating awareness among teachers about their rights and current educational policies. This is done through meetings, social media campaigns, and seminars. Still, many members lack proper understanding and training, as formal training sessions are rare due to poor planning and limited budgets. The study also found that although some informal training takes place during meetings, unions could become much stronger and more effective with better-organized training programs for their representatives. Overall, the study shows that while teacher unions in Punjab have the potential to improve the education system and protect teachers’ rights, they face many challenges, including limited involvement in policymaking and a lack of structured training for their members. Strengthening unions through capacity building and greater inclusion in decision-making processes could help bring positive changes to education in Punjab.