The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

WITH public school teachers on high alert for industrial action, Education Minister Chester Cooper said he hopes “calm heads” will prevail, while reminding educators that “whatever we do will impact the children first.”

His appeal comes amid escalating tensions between the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and the government’s labour negotiating team over a new industrial agreement.

The two sides have been in negotiations since last October, but talks have repeatedly stalled over financial issues.

The union has now placed more than 1,400 members on industrial action alert and could further disrupt the public education system following a week already marked by industrial action by school administrators.

Mr Cooper said he hopes strike action can be avoided, stressing that while teachers deserve their rights, the needs of students must also remain a priority.

“I hope that as we put teachers and the rights that they deserve at the forefront, we also remember that the children of our country don't have unions, and therefore it's also important that I represent the needs of our chief stakeholders, who are the children, and in all things we do as educators who have taken an oath, we must always remember that whatever we do will impact the children first,” he told reporters in Grand Bahama on Friday.

The union had been warning of possible industrial action for months.

BUT president Belinda Wilson has said teachers are seeking a 20 percent salary increase over three years and accused the government of repeatedly returning with a salary package the union had already rejected.

At the time, she said all non-financial articles had been agreed, leaving the proposed salary increase and other finance-related provisions unresolved.

In a voice message to members on Friday, Mrs Wilson said she had requested a meeting with the Prime Minister and was awaiting a response.

Mr Cooper said he hoped the meeting would produce a positive outcome, adding that he prefers an environment of fruitful, calm dialogue.

He noted that he was not directly involved in the negotiations but supported teachers receiving fair compensation and being recognised for their work.

“Nobody underestimates their contribution,” the Education Minister added.

We all want the same thing ultimately. Happy teachers create happy students. Competent teachers create competent citizens from our schools, and a progressive, harmonious ecosystem for education is important to ensure better outcomes for our children.”

The Ministry of Education released a statement last night, saying it had activated its “Continuity of Learning” contingency plans ahead of possible industrial action by teachers.

It added that public schools are expected to open as normal today where there are enough staff to supervise students.

The ministry said it has also called in additional support, including teacher reserves, former teachers and administrators, to help keep schools operating.

"Every instructional day matters and our students should not lose valuable learning time while industrial agreements are being addressed," the ministry said. "We remain committed to working with all unions through the appropriate channels while protecting the educational interests of our children."