SVGTU calls on teachers to ‘get on board’

Teachers are being asked to “get on board” with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU), so that it is strengthened and better able to make a stand when required to do so.

The Union’s first vice-president Vibert Lampkin made this call during an address at the launch of the annual summer institute last Monday at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown.{{more}}

Lampkin said the Union has already visited several schools and continues to meet with their membership and teachers to ensure that there is a continuation of conversations regarding teachers’ involvement in the trade union.

He asserted that the SVGTU is not all about workshops, although these are very important. He said there are matters that the Union is concerned about, that in some instances negate some of the work that they ought to be doing as a trade union.

“We have embarked on a programme of ensuring that all our branches are up and running,” he added.

The first vice-president said it is critical that the branches are functioning at peak level because it reflects the strength of the Union.

“Teachers union is about you and I… it’s about our students, it’s about our nation,” he reiterated.

Lampkin added that while persons would say that teaching is the noblest profession, it is also one that many people, if they have a chance, would avoid.

He stated that teachers have been assaulted, whether in or outside of the classroom, and parents who are critical of them and their work have spoken down to them.

According to the first vice-president, a teacher’s job today is a very difficult one and some people have become very hostile towards them.

He said many teachers are becoming ill, hospitalized and are dying.

“I do not know what the causes are, but I can say that today, teaching in the classroom has undergone a metamorphosis, a change, where the teacher constantly has to be looking back over his or her shoulder to ensure that no one is behind threatening him or her.”

Lampkin revealed that students are bringing weapons to classes and parents are also agitated and the teachers have no way of defending themselves.

“That is why, brothers and sisters, you must stand with your union; your union will defend you, your union will walk for you, your union would stand shoulder to shoulder with you, your union would be in solidarity with you. Yes, we will be there for you…the more numbers we have, the stronger we will become.

“We cannot continue in this vein, where some teachers are benefiting through the work of the SVGTU, while there are others who sit on the fence, not being members, but continue to receive benefits.”

Lampkin said that all teachers should contribute to the SVGTU. (AS)