Teachers threaten Monday strike

TEACHERS are being put on high alert for a total shutdown of the school system with a “test run” scheduled for Monday. The day is being called a day of “rest and reflection.” In addition, teachers are being urged to engage in another “Red Day” today, when they are invited to wear red and take part in an organised prayer session at their respective schools for at least 15 minutes. Those were the decisions taken at Wednesday’s emergency General Council meeting of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA).

TTUTA president Trevor Oliver told Newsday that Council members were in an angry mood at Wednesday’s meeting over the slow pace of negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) for the 2002-2005 period. Oliver said it was decided that today will be another “Red Day,” when all teachers are being asked to hold organised prayer sessions at their respective schools from 10 am. He suggested that the prayer sessions last at least 15 minutes. Teachers will pray for God’s guidance in their struggle. Oliver said the Council also decided that Monday will be a day of “rest and reflection.” Oliver would not confirm whether this meant asking teachers to stay home.

But a source told Newsday there will be massive disruption of classes on Monday and it will be an indication of how ready teachers are for further industrial action, leading to a total shut down of the education system before the start of the July/August vacation. Schools are expected to close for the holidays on July 2. The shut down of schools is expected to have a significant impact, especially since CXC exams are ongoing and end-of-term exams are due to commence later this month. TTUTA representatives will today meet with the CPO. The General Council will meet on Monday to assess the situation and decide on its next course of action. TTUTA says the CPO must recognise the critical importance of education and the need for teachers to be paid what they are worth.