The Minister of Education, Hon. N. H. Cole Simons, JP MP, today met with members of the Executive of the Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT), Trustees and teacher representatives from primary, middle and senior schools to discuss their concerns following a large protest by BUT members this morning on the grounds of the Cabinet Office.
Minister Simons first learned of the protest action around 10:00 am this morning and immediately asked for a meeting with the BUT Executive and all those gather on the grounds but was advised by the BUT President to meet with the Executive at their Union Headquarters. Minister met with the group within 20 minutes of their invitation.
Minister Simons said “It was important for me as Minister to hear the concerns of the teachers and determine what can be done to address the concerns. Hence, I made myself available on short notice to attend the meeting, which got underway around midday and lasted for about an hour or so.”
“The main concern that was expressed to me by the BUT was the lack of substantial progress in the contract negotiations between the BUT and the Public Service Negotiating Team (PSNT). The BUT indicated that there has not been any meaningful progress since the last meeting between the two sides during the third week of March 2017.”
“Although I am not involved in contract negotiations, I undertook to update the Premier on the BUT’s concerns so that it could be determined why no meeting has occurred between the two sides since March. It is important and in everyone’s interest that we get negotiations back on track, especially since I consider that our teachers are our number one asset.”