BNTU and MOE Meet Over Hardship Allowance and Time Off
On Friday the B.N.T.U. fired off a heavily worded statement to the Ministry of Education saying that the ‘continued and blatant disrespect’ against teachers will not be tolerated. The latest disagreement between the powerful union and the Ministry is as a result of the ministry’s move to re-categorize hardship allowances for teachers and time-off to collect salary. The re-categorization is expected to take effect at the end of October but the union says that consultations have not been held on the matter. The B.N.T.U. says the ministry has not showed up at scheduled meetings. The union has not disclosed its next step but whatever happens, the teachers can count on the support of the P.U.P. according to leader John Briceño.
John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
John Briceño
“Let me make it very clear, we support the teachers union on this one. The teachers go through some really difficult times in trying to get to their classrooms to be able to teach the children. We need to be able to provide them whatever support we can. Not only morale but even what is required by law. There is this hardship program that they have within the government and these teachers that quality should and must be paid. We support that one hundred percent.”
Hipolito Novelo
“The BNTU has warned the Ministry of Education that it will take stronger actions. Senator Elena Smith did not specify what action that will be but is the PUP willing to support the BNTU in another strike, rally, demonstration? She did say it would not be any more press release though.”
John Briceño
“Well I want to make it clear that when they make these decisions we try not to get involve politically. But of course we will be ready to support the BNTU in such a righteous cause where the teachers need to be able to get the necessary support so that they can be able to teach our children in their classrooms day in and day out.”
News Five understands that a meeting between the parties has taken place and a release is expected to be issued.
