BUT will not back down

THE BARBADOS UNION OF TEACHERS (BUT) is not “retreating” from the issues at Alma Parris and Parkinson Memorial Secondary School and the need to have them satisfactorily resolved.

That is the word from president Pedro Shepherd who responded to what the union perceived to be a “threat” from the Ministry of Education via a statement issued through the Government Information Service yesterday.

In demanding that teachers return to work “immediately”, the ministry said the withdrawal of labour was tantamount to a strike. The statement also warned that there were consequences which the teachers should be aware of.

“If the ministry thinks that they alone have recourse if teachers do not return to work immediately, I am stating publicly that the teachers, represented by the BUT, also have a recourse,” Shepherd said.

Teachers from both schools were engaged in all-day meetings at the union’s Merryhill, St Michael headquarters today and will continue for the same duration tomorrow. (YB)