Education Minister appeals for “responsible union representation” following teachers strike

By Shermain Bique-Charles
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“We cannot continue forward with this type of hostility”.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew did not mince words during Thursday’s Parliament sitting when reflecting on the recent actions of the Antigua Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) and its membership.

Matthew dispelled any claims that the Ministry of Education was not open to ensuring that the recent stipend issues were completed.

He believes that the actions taken by the ABUT were too drastic, especially when the matter did not affect Primary School teachers.

Nevertheless, the minister is hoping that moving forward both parties can have a more amicable relationship where matters are dealt with in a less hostile manner as “the government will do everything it can to continue working with the union to ensure teachers and students are apart of an education system that is beneficial for everyone”.

“We have never pushed back on any issue that benefits our educators, and we will not because we recognize he important role they play in society. I am simply asking for their bargaining agent to be more responsible in their public utterances, and I dare say in its behaviour,” Matthew added.

Teachers concluded a week-long industrial action on Monday afternoon, allowing schools to resume regular operations on Tuesday.

This situation had many members of the public divided in their opinions. Some supported the teachers, while others criticized their actions, arguing that the strike was excessive and had a negative impact on students.