But the BNTU isn't backing down from their demand. They said that they feel disrespected yet again by the government. And when the media asked if they think it wouldn't work in their favor to host this press conference the day before elections, they said that their concerns are not political in the least.
Jorge Mejia, Acting President, BNTU
"We are not responsible or we are not accountable to any politician or any party. We are here because we need to address the issues of our members. Our members indicate and mandate to us how to move. And it's high tide that we start addressing these issues that are burning up one by one in the hearts and souls of our members."
"And there are many. So this is not a political game. This is a BNTU addressing the issues of our members. And that's punto finale."
Reporter
"I know one of the other things that you guys want is Minister Coye to retract his statement. But this morning in an interview, the Minister of Education stated that he doesn't see the need for a retraction nor an apology to the BNTU because no one is attacking you guys."
Keisha Williams, National Treasurer, BNTU
"I firmly believe that the Minister is entitled to his opinion. And I will not comment on whether his opinion is right or wrong. We are sitting up here because we represent over 3,000 teachers across the length and breadth of this country who are dissatisfied, who feel disrespected by certain statements."
"And so we have to speak on their behalf. Whether the Minister agrees with BNTU or not, that's not our issue, that's not our concern. Our members mandated us to speak on their behalf and say that you know what, we are not happy with the statements that were made."
"And so we are asking for a retraction and that's what we are here to do."
