PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) met with its members on Thursday last week. Following the meeting, the board of the WITU wrote a letter to the Minister of Education drs. R. Samuel regarding some concerns that the Minister's cabinet has confirmed receipt of.
"We have been extremely patient as we await further dialogue on a number of concerns," remarked Stuart Johnson President of the WITU.
The WITU in its letter states, "The board of the WITU would like to request an urgent meeting to discuss some long-standing matters regarding the status of the teachers of the Division of Public Education as well as the subsidized schools. We impress on you that this meeting is held by Friday, January 20th, 2023.
We are also requesting that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications are present in the meeting, as inter-ministerial handling of some matters might be required.
The following are our concerns that will be discussed during this meeting:
- Payment of outstanding vacation allowance to Division of Public Education teachers
(Year 2020 – full amount, and Year 2021 – 50%) by Wednesday, February 15th,
2023.
- To discuss the payment of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increments
(frozen due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and the payment of the vacation allowance
for the school year 2022/2023 and onwards.
WITU is seeking your cooperation in convening and attending the requested meeting within the above-mentioned period."
Johnson as outlined in the letter minced no words in saying, "If this meeting is not held as expected, a call for a meeting with the board of WITU will take place in the morning hours with WITU membership."
