Teachers ready to fight like hell

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) yesterday put the country on alert that teachers are willing “to fight like hell for their bread and butter.” Last week, Angella Jack, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, warned TTUTA and teachers of  “penalties” if they embarked on any action which contravenes section 69 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act. An unusually high teacher absenteeism on Monday was linked by the Education Ministry to statements made by TTUTA President Trevor Oliver which were reported in the print and electronic media. Speaking to Sunday Newsday, Oliver said the union is not focused on the warning letter from the Permanent Secretary. 

“The circular does not mean anything to us. We have to do what we have to do. Our interest is on teachers and education.” He said  teachers had to fight for what is theirs. The union is dissatisfied with the latest offer (for the period 2002-2005) which was presented by the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) at a meeting on Wednesday. TTUTA has proposed that teachers receive salary increases based on their “market value” but Oliver said the proposal by the CPO is only for 2005.  He said under the offer from the CPO teachers who retired in 2002/2003 “have nothing to get.” Oliver said “the full market value must be spread over the three years.”