9. Engagement with Unions (Pinetown) 9.1 National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA): The relationship with the Department was far better than in the past - cordial though cautious. The union needed to give recognition to the leadership in the Department for the efforts put in place for the final exams. The union acknowledged the work of the MEC in encouraging early and timeous registration of learners. The union had problems with the issue of the payment of markers as markers were not happy with what was being offered. The matter currently resided with the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) where a date had been set for arbitration. Although their view did not find favour with other unions, NAPTOSA indicated their willingness to participate in competency tests for markers. The main concern with competency testing was the poor timing on the eve of the start of marking. The thinking was that markers needed to be informed timeously of being appointed and making themselves available. The union was also of the view that all the negative publicity around the examinations and marking was not healthy for learners who were about to start writing the examinations. The Department needed to give clear and unambiguous communication to all concerned on matters concerning the examinations.