BUT eyes on St Thomas schools

Article by Carlos Atwell

HUNDREDS OF TEACHERS who met yesterday to air their grievances say their issues go beyond the delayed restart of some schools.

Both the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) held meetings after public schools were closed at noon, one day after some reopened following extensive renovations.

BUT members met at the Barbados Workers’ Union headquarters at Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St Michael, while those from the BSTU gathered at the National Union of Public Workers, Dalkeith, St Michael.

After the more than three-hour BUT meeting, president Sean Spencer told the media: “There are still a number of problems existing within schools as it obtains to what has been done over the summer in relation to the domestic programme. Outside of that, we looked at issues such as allowances and increments, appointments, long leave, the docking of pay, the draft school code of conduct, occupational health and safety, security and teacher evaluations.”

He said health and safety was one of their chief concerns, particularly at some St Thomas schools.

“It has come to the attention of the union that there are common issues arising in St Thomas – Sharon Primary School, The Lester Vaughan Secondary School and Maria Holder [Nursery]. There have been a number of issues arising due to pollutants emitted in the area by a number of businesses. (CA)

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