Teachers of the El Dorado East Secondary school (El Do blue) are refusing to submit to the new hours implemented by the Education Ministry claiming it to be an unjust measure. A source revealed yesterday that all teachers walked out of the school on Thursday and Friday at 2.30 pm, the original dismissal time. The times of El Dorado East and West Secondary schools were changed by the ministry as a temporary measure in an effort to diffuse any potential conflict and violence between the two schools. The decision was made following a violent clash among rival gangs between the two schools last term.
The source said following the incident all stakeholders including the teachers met with the ministry and agreed that the hours for the school would be changed temporarily. However, when the new term re-opened this week, El Dorado East received a letter from the ministry stating that the new hours would be permanent. "This constitutes a breech in the Industrial Relations Act (IRA). All terms and conditions concerning teachers must be negotiated under the IRA." the source said. The source added that it was an inconvenience to teachers and students who have to attend extra lessons and meet personal responsibilities.
However, the source said on the advice of T&T Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA) the school would be dismissed at its original time, 2.30 pm and not 3 pm. The source also noted that the teachers met with the School Supervisor and a petition was signed and sent to the ministry. "Changing the times would not solve anything. We need to build bridges and not walls. The ministry should organize activities such as sporting and cultural events to build unity among the schools," the source said. In a subsequent release, TTUTA said, "It rejects the attempt made by the ministry to change the terms and conditions of service of teachers without consultation, negotiation and agreement with the Association."
Change of hours El Dorado East Secondary
(EL Do Blue)
Now - 8.30 am - 3 pm
Former- 8.10 am - 2.30 pm