Will Orange Walk ITVET’s Sit Out Continue?

Luis Ramos

When the teachers emerged from the meeting, they were hopeful.  They say they made some progress and that Ramirez-Smith documented their concerns. So, what happens next? The teachers say that they need some commitment from the ministry by Friday or the sit-out continues. The teachers are prepared to go the distance because it has been festering for years with no solution.

Luis Ramos, Teacher, ITVET Orange Walk

“We had a very lengthy conversation with the person [Ms. Cecelia Smith]. She understood our situation. She empathizes with what our situation is and what we are going through. We have reached to a consensus and we will be waiting for further information to happen. Tomorrow we will continue and we will see what transpires after that.”

Reporter

“You mentioned tomorrow that you will be awaiting a response. Is there a deadline for you guys to see if you will be going back or if the deadline will extend?”

Luis Ramos

“Like what we explained to the officials, yes we will. There is a deadline.”

Andrea Polanco

“Should you not get a response, have you thought ahead what happens next if you don’t get a favourable response?”

Luis Ramos

“Yes we have and if that happens we have been saying that – as a matter of fact, in the beginning we wanted the Minister involved and if nothing happens, we want to pursue that route and if that doesn’t get anything solved, then we are talking about even having the Prime Minister.”

Andrea Polanco

“So, are you prepared for further industrial action should you not get what you want?”

Luis Ramos

“Definitely. My teachers here are ready and we are steadfast in what we think.”

Andrea Polanco

“Come tomorrow morning 7:30 to 8:00 o’clock, when the students get here, do they congregate under the shed, do they go into the classrooms?”

Luis Ramos

“They won’t go into the classrooms until we advise them.”

So, as you heard, Ramos says that they are open to further industrial action if their concerns are not addressed.