Ministry of Education promises schools will be open on Monday

Late this evening, the Ministry of Education issued a press release informing parents, teachers and students that in compliance with the Education Rules, managing authorities will take necessary measures to make certain that schools and institutions are kept open for classes on Monday.  As such, stakeholders, including bus operators are informed that school buses will run their normal schedules on Monday.  Additionally, the M.O.E. release goes on to say that whenever the B.N.T.U. calls a meeting or other activity that it is a common practice of some principals to send notes to parents and guardians through their children.  This is to notify them that there would be no classes because of the planned union meeting or activity.  The public is reminded that principals have no such authority unless approval has been given for such meetings or other activities.  On Monday, the B.N.T.U. wrote to the Prime Minister and put forward a list of eight demands.  The Prime Minister responded in writing and expressed a willingness to meet on Friday.  Notwithstanding the outcome of that meeting, the B.N.T.U. will proceed with industrial action.  The letter goes on to say that given the prime minister’s response and willingness to meet with the B.N.T.U.’s Council of Management, the Ministry of Education is of the view that B.N.T.U.’s position is unreasonable.  It also shows little regard for children’s education and the inconvenience it causes for their parents.  It is characterized as a display of bad faith.