Teachers across Antigua and Barbuda have begun receiving retroactive salary payments, but their union insists the government has yet to fully meet its obligations.
The government has stated that $3 million was disbursed to cover arrears. However, Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) President Casroy Charles said the amount is “insufficient” and leaves hundreds of educators unpaid.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, teachers were entitled to a reclassification of salaries from January 2024. That adjustment only came into effect this summer, creating arrears for the intervening months.
“So yes, there were some retroactive payments, but I want to make it clear to everyone the payments that were disbursed was insufficient,” Charles said in an interview on state media. “It was in the media that the government would have paid $3 million in regard to said payments. However, that’s due to over 1,400 teachers and the least payment, if I can recall for that period, was $2,400. If you were supposed to divide $2,400 into $3 million, you will see there is a shortfall.”
Charles said that while more than 1,000 teachers have received their monies, “hundreds are still awaiting said payment,” urging the government to “honour your obligation.”
The ABUT president added that the matter should have been settled since June and is now more than two months overdue, creating frustration among educators and putting strain on the union’s otherwise cooperative relationship with government officials.
“The problem we have with the ministry and has always had with the ministry is them meeting deadlines,” Charles explained. “When they fail to meet the deadlines, it’s not that we pull away and take industrial action immediately. But if, in our opinion, the interventions that are necessary to correct the deficiency are insufficient, that’s when we take the stance of industrial action because you would have failed.”
No definitive date has yet been given for when the outstanding teachers will be paid.
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Please let me have my check.
Thanks
Wait a minute! So we didn’t know this before school re-opened its doors? Another strike? Asking for myself!!!!
Boy, go look hard work to do, you lazy bastard. You have already convinced the nation as to what a jackass you are. School has re-opened now. Time to respect the children in your charge. Get your la,y arse up and commence the work that taxpayers are paying you to do! Lazy, idle bastard!
He is LAZY, INCOMPETENT and DAFT! a CLOWN looking for attention that he can’t get inside his circus.
Wait, who is this comment geared towards really?Cause i dont want to believe that this hostility is aimed at the union president who is just fighting for what is owed to the teachers, who are ALSO taxpayers AND PARENTS. I hope not
While it’s unfortunate that some teachers haven’t been fully paid yet, I hope this is just the first installment and that the government will complete the process soon. At least a start has been made now we just need to see it through
not fair at all to the teachers,better can be done and we all know this
As a parent, I believe teachers deserve every dollar they are owed. They dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation, yet time and again they have to fight just to receive fair compensation. If the government can find millions for other projects, it should ensure teachers are fully paid
I remember how hard my teachers worked, often going above and beyond with little resources. To hear that they’re still waiting on money that’s rightfully theirs is disheartening. Education is the backbone of any country, and this shows we still don’t value it enough
We say education is a priority, but then we treat teachers like this? Actions speak louder than words.
Teachers always have to beg and fight for what they’re owed, yet they’re the backbone of the nation. That’s not right.
Let me also add that my sister is one of the teachers still waiting. She spends money out of pocket for classroom supplies and still hasn’t received what’s due to her. It’s frustrating to watch educators be treated this way while they continue to show up for our children
For how long they’ve been promised, teachers are the footstool of our education they should not be complaining for money they well deserve
How can you not be satisfired with the payments bro. What else do you want from the government.
Give our teachers the pay that they thoroughly deserve. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these highly regarded educators.
I was a model student … 😉
EDUCATION ROCKS!!!
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