Trainee teachers protest...again

Yesterday, trainee teachers protested at Valsayn Teachers’ College, continuing action that has been taking place at various technical institutes throughout the nation. First year trainee teachers along with teacher educators from the college joined their professional colleagues in remonstration against the impending transfer to the UTT.

Some 300 protesters, most dressed in red, braved sweltering midday heat to demonstrate against the lack of information regarding their options once the UTT move is completed.

TTUTA president Clyde Permell was present at the lunchtime protest held at the front of the Valsayn College compound where he divulged information on the outcome of his meeting at the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.

At that meeting, Permell spoke with Education Minister Hazel Manning, the ministry’s permanent secretary, the chief education officer and representatives of the UTT. Describing the discussions as “frank,” Permell stated the ministry accepted responsibility for the apparent breakdown in communications with the union.

They agreed on the next plan of action which is for TTUTA to outline their concerns in writing which will be fowarded to the Education Ministry. A response to this is expected at a meeting scheduled for June 14.

The ministry has also agreed to attempt to outline industrial-related issues at these future discussions.