tidings
Sharon Mangroo. – Marvin Hamilton
The attendance of staff and students from religious schools changed on Monday.
Catholic Education Management Board (CEBM) CEO Sharon Mangroo said most teachers stayed away from classes, heeding the call of the TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA).
TTUTA had called on them to “rest and reflect” at the opening of the school term to express their displeasure over unresolved wage negotiations.
“In general, staff participation is very poor. It’s below 50 percent,” Mangroo said Monday afternoon.
“As we speak, information is being updated. For example, in a school with 117 students, 49 were present. In a school with 502 students, 142 were present.”
Asked about her views on the call, the CEO added, “They have the right to look after their interest in the way they think is best.
“I am looking forward to the rest of the school year in which the teachers will also take care of the students’ interests. It can’t be either or. It should be both.
“We recognize that teachers have families too.”
Presbyterian Primary School Board of Education chairman Vickram Ramlal also said there were high levels of student and staff absenteeism.
“There was an 80 percent staff shortage and a 91 percent student shortage from the 71 primary schools across the country.
Ramlal added that Grant Memorial Presbyterian School in San Fernando did not reopen because repairs were being completed. It is set to open on Wednesday.
Princes Town Presbyterian Primary Schools No1 and No2, which occupy the same complex on Gopaul ByPass Road, closed early due to electrical problems.
The problems, Ramlal said, were rectified on Monday and classes will resume on Tuesday
In the TTUTA call, he said the association has the right to take whatever action it wants to address member concerns.
Ramlal added, “Regarding industrial relations matters, we do not get involved. It is the choice of the teachers whether they want to stay home or not.
“We would like our teachers to come to school. But they have answered a call from their recognized union. The union has its rights and the teachers have their rights.”
Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) general secretary Vijay Maharaj said he was still gathering information on the participation of staff and students, but the overall preliminary figures were high, he said.
Maharaj estimated that staff participation for secondary schools was between 78 and 80 percent.
See also
“(In) a school of 598 students, the attendance figure I was given was 456. Student attendance is also good,” he said.
Maharaj added, “Out of the 43 primary schools, I have received feedback from around 20. They had a participation of between 65 and 70 per cent of teachers. Students were slightly lower, at most 60 percent. The Tunapuna Hindu School car park was full. Out of 25, there were about 23 who went to work.
He said he preferred to remain neutral to the association’s calls. He did not condemn or support the call.
“I would have liked them to start school immediately. The teachers went out on Thursday and Friday to prepare for Monday.
“Yes, they have suffered since 2013. They had not had a salary increase. I don’t think it’s fair at all,” said Maharaj.
Maharaj said teachers have migrated from primary and secondary schools and from government and religious schools because of low salaries.
“They are looking for work abroad. I am not condemning the fact that teachers are suffering. I have almost 1000 teachers in Maha Sabha and I know some of them are facing financial and other difficulties.
He expressed concern about any possible similar action during the week.
“Don’t come in the middle of the week, or don’t do it two or three times a month. Of course, I would condemn it.”
