Education Minister Speaks on Proposal 22

The B.N.T.U. is also upset that there has been no progress regarding Proposal Twenty-Two which covers a number of issues including a proposal to have government pay one hundred percent of teachers’ salaries who are employed at grant aided secondary schools. Last week the B.N.T.U. pointed out that dates set for a meeting to discuss the document have come and gone without fruition. Faber responded to what he described as complaints by B.N.T.U. President, Senator Elena Smith.

Patrick Faber, Minister of Education

Patrick Faber

“You saw that the President complain that, in fact she had written to me about a meeting that we are to have to deal some remaining elements of Proposal Twenty Two. She is right but it was the President who said that it’s not wise for use to do the meeting in September because the reopening of school and so vigorous of an agenda of the time. She is right. I was not able to make the October second meeting but it is almost like baby who wants to cry. The President has me on Whatsapp and when it is convenient for her she send me a message. Let us communicate; there is no need to quarrel. I have indicated to the B.N.T.U. my desire to meet on those proposals which I have said to the wider negotiating group those are the only maters outstanding.  We do not need to keep the negotiations alive just to deal with those matters. Those matters can be separated and put in the Ministry of Education and the B.N.T.U. and they have insisted no. Until they are satisfied that we are going to solve those issues which is clearly and education issue and they will keep the negotiation open and it is keeping it open prohibit them from even getting to the point where we can discuss a more suitable, adequate hardship allowance. Nothing says that the government has to do what the B.N.T.U. says and this is the problem with trade union in this country. We are giving you the opportunity to make your input. We are not making the decision in isolation, even though we can.”