SVGTU ready for second round of negotiation talks

The reinstatement of the three teachers who ran for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2011 elections, maternity leave and the location of transferred teachers close to their homes, are just some of the issues the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) intends to tackle.{{more}}

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, President of the SVGTU Oswald Robinson stated that there are several issues confronting the Union.

Referring to the three teachers, Elvis Daniel, Kenroy Johnson and Addison “Bash” Thomas, who were not reinstated after they resigned to contest general elections, Robinson asked “Is this humanistic?”.

“Many teachers ran for political office and got back their jobs, many of our members would have emerged from the leadership of the Teachers Union and now serving in higher office. Some of them are in Parliament right now, some of them are heading ministries,” Robinson stated.

He added that the Union needs to hear not only the Christian Council, but the other sister unions and the National Labour Congress speak to the issue regarding the teachers.

Robinson also highlighted that about 75 per cent of members of the SVGTU have not received job descriptions, a violation of Article 4.3 in the Collective Agreement.

Robinson also said other issues which violate the Collective Agreement include the non-provision of separate sanitary washroom facilities for males and females in schools; female employees not being given 12 weeks maternity leave with pay and circulars sent to educational institutions and departments regarding discipline of members not being forwarded to the Union.

Speaking of teachers serving in the Grenadines, Robinson suggested that allowances be given, especially to those who have to make trips to and from mainland. He also stated that a board pass could be granted to persons once per month to decrease travel expenses.

Robinson added that the first round of negotiations with the Ministry of Education for the latest collective agreement is complete and the Union is ready for the second round of negotiations.

Robinson also spoke of several accomplishments of the Union. The membership has increased by 21 for the month of May, he said, with three members rejoining the Union. The sports committee is up and functioning, and a monthly Television Programme has been planned, Robinson said.

Robinson added that there are several plans in place to improve the membership of the Union through training workshops. He added that capacity building for the executive and the staff of the SVGTU will also be done. He further stated that the Union will be collaborating with all stakeholders for the development of the membership and the Union as a whole.(OS)