Ministry warns teachers over high absenteeism

In response to high absenteeism by teachers on Monday and statements made by the TT Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), the Education Ministry yesterday warned the teachers’ union to exercise caution since any industrial action by teachers is illegal, and will lead to disciplinary action. TTUTA is currently engaged in negotiations with the acting Chief Personnel Officer for a new collective agreement for teachers covering 2002-2005. Angela Jack, Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, has written to TTUTA president Trevor Oliver reminding him that teachers were part of the essential services which included police, prison and Fire Services, and could not take industrial action. The Education Ministry said on Monday that 53 percent of the Ministry’s teaching staff did not report for duty. It linked the “unusually high percentage” absenteeism to pronouncements made by the leadership of TTUTA.

The union had dubbed Monday a day of “relaxation and reflection” for teachers. The Education Ministry yesterday made public the letter which was sent to Oliver and advised teachers to take note of its contents. Jack said her attention has been drawn to statements in the print and electronic media which gave the impression that it was “not outside the realm of possibility” that TTUTA might advise/instruct teachers to cease carrying out their functions at schools sometime prior to the commencement of the year-end school vacation period. “Out of an abundance of caution,” Jack reminded that under Section 69 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act, any action that might be contemplated “would be illegal and can attract the penalties prescribed.” A copy of the section was sent to Oliver. Jack said the provision has received judicial notice and has been ruled valid by the court.