Since the 2013 school year begun the Bahamas Union of Teachers has made many attempts to resolve problems with the Ministry/Department of Education. Trade disputes were filed with the Department of Labour, Meeting with Hon. Michael Halkitis, meeting with Prime Minister Perry Christie and the Minister of Labour and a second meeting was held with Minister of Labour D Shane Gibson and his team. The trade disputes and meetings to date, have proven fruitless, simply a waste of time. Matters of Concerns:
1. Union denied access and approval to hold meetings at schools.
2. Health & Safety concerns relative to Stephen Dillette & Uriah Mcphee
3. Police & security officers intimidation, interference and assault on teachers & union officers
4. Teachers are being mistreated and victimized
5. Breaches of the CBA 2010- 2013
6. Changes to the group medical insurance plan without consultation
7. Reassignment of Teachers
8. New teachers not paid a salary since August 2013
9. Teachers sent to Family islands without money, rent not paid
10. Approximately 5 million owed to teachers salary, gratuity etc.
11. Awaiting a counterproposal for the CBA 2013- 2016
12. New policies being implemented without consultation with the union
Therefore, the B.U.T. has taken its concerns to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and will also seek relief from the Supreme Court.
B.U.T. strongly states that the Government has NOT worked in good faith and teachers will take a strong stand throughout the Bahamas and join the teachers in Grand Bahama who have already begun work to rule.
President, Belinda Wilson has placed All Teachers on WORK TO RULE effective today, Wednesday, November 6th 2013. Teachers will report to school at 8:45am and leave at 3:15pm.
Solidarity Forever – for the Union makes us strong!!!
Belinda Wilson, President, BUT
