Matthew Accuses Teachers’ Union President of Irresponsibility Over Prolonged Strike
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has sharply criticised the leadership of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) for what he described as an unnecessary and prolonged period of industrial action that disrupted schools across the country.
Addressing Parliament on Thuesday morning, Matthew said he felt compelled to “bring some clarity and perspective” to the dispute, which led to a week of protest action and the closure of all public schools on Monday.
The Minister denied claims that the government had failed to pay teachers what was owed. Instead, he said the issue stemmed from processing delays linked to the new collective bargaining agreement signed in 2024. This agreement had doubled certain allowances from EC$200 to EC$400 and was being implemented incrementally, he explained.
Matthew said, “The teachers with whom we really have no argument had been receiving their current allowances and payments were being made on their arrears at the same time.”
He accused the union, particularly its president Ashworth Charles, of bad faith. According to Matthew, Charles continued to call for strike action even after being informed that two remaining cheques queried by the union were available for collection by 8 a.m. Monday morning.
“Knowing that this is the issue, it says to me there’s a more sinister motive why this industrial action even continued into Monday,” he told Parliament, calling it “one of the most irresponsible things” he had seen during his tenure.
Matthew noted that the strike disproportionately impacted primary schools, even though the dispute pertained to secondary-level teachers.
“We cannot continue to operate with this level of hostility,” he warned, urging the union to engage in more responsible dialogue. “We will continue working with the union, because the union has a part to play. All that we ask is for responsible representation.”
He concluded by appealing directly to teachers, assuring them that the government has never refused any request made on their behalf and would remain committed to improving conditions in education.
The Minister also warned that politicisation of the issue would harm the nation’s children, saying, “I hope that our young people are not being used as political pawns.”
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More lies lies lies.
It’s the weakest people and most vulnerable people in society that usually strike or march. Those who were disrespected and disenfranchised. So to blame the teachers for the dues that they work for and earn, is very disrespectful.
I’ve never seen a rich person march or protest in all my life, because generally they are the ones ditching out pain on the poor and destitute.
The union can only listen and fight for the will of its clients, and to sit here and try to play politics with people’s money, just shows you the only thing these people are concerned about, is their power over the citizenry.
You guys are no kings, you are elected servants, so serve the damn people.
And oh, from what I know, many of the teachers and the top people in the ministry of education are ALP supporters, so you argument do not make sense Sir, and come across rather disingenuous.
The President’s name is Casroy Charles and not Ashworth Charles. So, maybe Mr. Matthew is referring to someone else. This president is an excellent one compares to some of the past. Sorry, Mr. Matthew but regardless of what you said in Parliament, teachers would not have backed down until ALL were paid. Tired of the DISRESPECT.
Some of us waited for SEVEN YEARS for our money and the sit-in which took roughly six days upset you. SMH! 😡
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