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By: Dennis de Peiza, General Secretary - January 8, 2013
The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Association of Barbados met yesterday, January 7, 2013 in emergency session at Solidarity House, to discuss the implications of the transfer of teachers to and from the Alexandra School.
CTUSAB is dismayed over the recent developments that have lead to the continued escalation of the impasse, which stemmed from the tensions between the Principal of the Alexandra School and members of the teaching staff, who are represented by the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union.
CTUSAB contends that the current industrial tension could have been avoided, had a process of meaningful consultation and dialogue been fully engaged between the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS), prior to the finalizing of any transfers.
The Congress contends that in keeping with the spirit and intent of Protocol 6, that guides the employer – employee relationship, there must be a demonstration of a commitment to consultation, dialogue and collaboration between the employer or agent of the employer, and the representatives of employees, as part of the accepted industrial relations practice.
CTUSAB urges that all relevant agencies with an interest in this matter, demonstrate through their actions, an understanding of section 6.2 (a) of Protocol 6, which reads:
6.2 “The Social Partners agree that the maintenance of industrial harmony depends upon the exercise of mutual respect for, and protection of, the rights and entitlements of both employers and workers since they are important elements in achieving the objectives of this Protocol:…”
CTUSAB chides the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development on the methodology it used in effecting the transfer of teachers to and from the Alexandra School. CTUSAB is of the opinion that the manner in which the transfers have been executed will have a negative impact on both the children and teachers, and by extension the education system.
In the interest of addressing the concerns of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), CTUSAB calls for the holding of an urgent meeting between the Chief Personnel Officer and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union; and ultimately the Public Service Commission, which is the employer of the teachers.
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