Minister of Education Daryll Matthew has indicated that both he and the Cabinet have gone the extra mile to accommodate the teachers in their demands for timely payments of outstanding allowances and other benefits.
Minister Matthew emphasized that the government has consistently prioritized the welfare of educators. “There has been no occasion where I have presented anything to the Cabinet for teachers and their benefits that has not been immediately and unanimously approved,” he stated. These approvals have included remuneration increases, retroactive payments, upgraded appointment letters, and specific allowances like those for telephone and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
According to the minister the dispute centers around various types of allowances owed to different categories of teachers—principals, deputy principals, and TVET educators, among others. While these payments had been gradually processed, the union insisted on full payment by a specific deadline, warning of industrial action if not met. He explained that while these payments were being paid on time, the difficulties encountered by the country caused the COVID-19 pandemic led to non-payments and arrears accumulated for these specific allowances.
In response, the Cabinet agreed to expedite payments. The Prime Minister himself reportedly intervened, contacting the Chief Establishment Officer to ensure all required documentation was processed on time. Yet, due to a one-day delay, the union moved forward with industrial action, staging a sit-in for one or two days.
“We have no quarrel with the teachers or their union,” the official affirmed. “Everything they’ve asked for; we’ve given to them.” However, he acknowledged that delays in implementation, especially within segments of the public sector, remain a recurring challenge.
A key source of tension stems from discrepancies in records and misunderstandings surrounding eligibility and entitlements. For example, teachers may mistakenly believe they are owed back pay from a five-year period, when in reality they only worked two of those years and are entitled to a prorated portion.
One senior technician at the Ministry of Education provided insight into these issues in a message shared by the Minister: some teachers are now querying cheques from as far back as 2018 and 2019, though records indicate these were issued and likely cashed years ago. The Treasury has advised the Ministry to compile a list of names and cheque numbers to confirm whether these payments were indeed collected.
The Ministry continues to appeal for cooperation and patience. “When these things arise, give us an opportunity to go through our records,” the minister pleaded. Instead, he said, the union continues industrial action even in the face of efforts to resolve disputes.
