Teachers Report to Work, but How Did We Get Here?

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Before Mondays morning’s tragedy struck, the public education system was bracing for possible industrial action by teachers.

The Ministry of Education initiated its “Continuity of Learning Contingency Plan” to ensure classes went on as planned.

And while there was no industrial action, with classes proceeding as normal, tonight we take a look back at how the back-and-forth started and what’s next for both sides.

Despite speculation of industrial action by teachers, students arrived at campuses across the capital Monday morning as usual.

There was speculation as to whether school would open or not after the union president told teachers to “stand by and have their walking shoes ready.”

But where did all of this come from, and how did we get to this point?

While we know the union entered negotiations with government back in November over a new industrial agreement, there was fallout before then.

From as early as September, the union demanded a salary increase.

In the midst of negotiations, the government gave more than 17,000 public officers salary adjustments, a move the prime minister described as a gift from his heart.

Wilson at the time called it disrespectful, saying they expected salary increases between 2% and 8%, as outlined in Prime Minister Philip Davis’ budget communication.

This prompted tensions at the bargaining table heading into the new year.

Then in February, the union outright rejected the government’s proposal, with nearly 2,000 teachers waiting for another round of pay increases, with Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle saying it’s normal for unions to reject first proposals.

But the impasse dragged on, with the union saying they wouldn’t be disrespected.

Then, a surprising twist.

The Bahamas Educators, Counsellors and Allied Workers Union, in May, signed an industrial agreement, with approximately 800 members receiving a 17% salary increase.

The new agreement also included an increase in the geographical allowance for newly appointed teachers relocating to the Family Islands, with the allowance now set at $3,500.

Wilson, however, said her union “wouldn’t bend” to any government to get an agreement done.

After the general elections in May, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper became education minister.

Wilson told reporters that while she remained hopeful, she was still going to keep Cooper’s feet to the fire.

However, failed negotiations dragged on throughout the summer, bringing us to where we find ourselves today, with more than a thousand teachers now on the verge of industrial action.