Despite the call for a nationwide strike by the Teacher's Union, the majority of schools around the country remained opened today. The Anglican and Catholic Diocesan Offices report that in Corozal, Orange Walk, and Toledo attendance at their schools was close to 100%. There were disruptions reported in Stann Creek and Cayo and especially in Belmopan. Belize City though it was a different story. Keith Swift reports.
Clemente Wade, General Manager, Catholic Public Schools
"It is business as usual with Catholic Schools today."
Business as usual except here is something you don't see on a regular school day: armed police and BDF guarding the gates. Also most classrooms were shut and few students were in sight. Managers say that despite the call to strike, the majority of their teachers reported to work and the only problem was that there were no students to teach.
Clemente Wade,
"In Belize City of the 5 Catholic schools, there are about 90% of all the teachers present in school. There may have been some misunderstanding on behalf of parents and concern, genuine concern, and that is why their children may not have been sent to school this morning. But if you look at Holy Redeemer, St. Martin DePorres, St. John's Vianney, and St. Ignatius...well St. Ignatius being the exception. Those schools have almost all staff members. Like at St. John's Vianney, with the exception of one, all staff members were there. At St. Ignatius there is a reason for that because St. Ignatius is the school that the President (of the union) teaches in, Elena Smith, and as a result a half of that staff is out. As I said parents may not be sending their children to school because of fear but teachers are in school in school."
Carol Babb, General Manager, Anglican Schools
"Today I would say we have like 95% of our teachers turning out. In some cases, in some schools, we have 100% of teachers turning out. The problem is that we don't have children in school. In one school there is a full staff but absolutely no children."
But the union says most of those teachers went to work because they felt they had to or else. Not according to school managers Clemente Wade and Carol Babb who maintain teachers do have a choice. Of course there are consequences.
Clemente Wade,
"Why should teachers fear anything? It has been said time and time again that teachers have the right to action if they so desire. But in the very same rule that gives teacher the right to be out - it also says that teachers may not be paid for those sessions that they are out of school."
Keith Swift,
That which you just said, some people would interpret that as intimidation?
Clemente Wade,
"That is not intimidation. That is the laws of the land."
Carol Babb,
"Maybe some teachers are afraid but I don't think a lot them are afraid. We have told them quite clearly it's their call. We can't stop them from doing as they please but they are consequences that follow their action so maybe some of them are intimidated but some are not."
Keith Swift,
What's going to be the consequences for those who did not show up today?
Carol Babb,
"Well according to the Ministry, we just received a memo, their salaries will be docked. We will take out for the days they are not in school."
Catholic Public Schools General Manager Clemente Wade has emerged as the most vocal opponent of this latest call to strike. Wade who manages 119 schools says it isn't personal, he is just following the law and expects the same from his teachers.
Clemente Wade,
"I am taking the side of the children. As was plainly stated the general managers in this country backed the teachers in their first walk out because there was a legitimate dispute. Now not even as I look at everything - I haven't had a plain or directly put out statement on why they are taking action."
Keith Swift,
They say they want the Prime Minister and his government to resign.
Clemente Wade,
"But then there is a law that says no teacher may subvert the democratic process. Now should I tell teachers to subvert the democratic process when its written in the law? This time we cannot justify siding against teachers it is just that we cannot say that we will back you."
And so with teachers at school - whether by choice or fear - managers say there is really only one thing for parents to do tomorrow.
Clemente Wade,
"Parents watching this should send their kids to school because teachers will be at school."
As mentioned earlier the BNTU plans to go forth with the strike tomorrow. And true to their threat, the Ministry of Education today confirmed to 7NEWS that when teachers collect their monthly salary on Friday, money will be deducted for days missed. Teachers who missed Thursday and Friday of last week and yesterday will not be paid for those days. For the days missed as of today, the salary deductions will be reflected in next month's salary. The Ministry's position is that it's an illegal strike.
