TTUTA promises to shut down all schools

Schools around the country will be shut down on May 28, as the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) will be calling on the 14,000 teachers that comprise the workforce to march in a mass rally culminating at Woodford Square. Newsday was yesterday informed that TTUTA had rejected the latest offer by the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) in the ongoing wage negotiations for the period 2002 — 2005. TTUTA president Trevor Oliver confirmed for Newsday that the union had rejected the latest offer, describing what was offered as “minute movement to close the gap” which existed between what was being asked by the union and what the external market offered persons possessing the same qualifications as teachers.

Newsday was later told by a source that TTUTA’s General Council had decided to “take very strong action on Friday 28” as it is dissatisfied with  the CPO’s offering. This decision was taken at a meeting which was held last Tuesday. The vast majority of teachers who will benefit from significant salary increases include primary and secondary school teachers. Meanwhile, TTUTA is conducting a public relations and information dissemination exercise to prepare the “public for what is to come.”

While teachers are wearing red ribbons as a symbol of solidarity with the union, the source promised that in the days leading up to Friday 28, “what you see is like lightning, and the real thunder will come.” Support from other educational institutions around the region is being marshalled. While negotiations are continuing between TTUTA and the CPO, teachers have been asked to continue to wear red ribbons. Teachers and supporters have also been requested to wear an item of red clothing on May 28.