Why union dress code objection?

The issue of a dress code for teachers has been around for a very long time. As a matter of fact, the very document which outlines the expectations of the profession was created by Ministry of Education officials, assisted and later approved by the TT Unified Teachers Association (TT UTA), which now boasts of the majority in terms of membership.

So why is TT UTA now objecting to a dress code? Are TT UTA executives just dancing to the tune of members because their union dues pay the salaries of executives and give them extra perks like retreats and parties at posh hotels? So, the question arises: if the Minister of Education, who held the position of union president for two terms, allowed the dress code to flop to the point where teachers were beginning to dress like the limer down the road, how is he insisting now that teachers dress properly? Is it a case of the shoe being on the other foot? Or is it a case of dancing to suit the new tune? Either way it shows a lack of commitment and consistency.

Most teachers would like to see the right thing done and try their best at creating a new society of dedicated and hard-working citizens but their intentions are often thwarted by the few escapists and truants.

And while this is the case it is also important that leaders in all spheres of life show dedication and commitment, which must be backed up by honesty and sincerity or we will just be “spinning top in mud”.

WKS HOSEIN Chaguanas