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Education Minister Chad Blackman
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados education officials are bracing for a second consecutive day of industrial action on Friday after describing the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) action as a “disappointment and genuine shock.”
The BUT has said that its action, which began on Thursday, will continue even as the Ministry of Educational Transformation that schools will remain open, with trainee teachers on standby to fill in for unionized staff participating in the industrial action.
The ministry has urged the BUT to “return to the table of dialogue immediately” to resolve the long-standing issue of term leave for teachers.
Educational Transformation Minister, Chad Blackman described the BUT’s decision to call a two-day sickout just days before the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination (BSSEE) as “unfortunate and unacceptable.
“The ministry’s door is open and has been open and will remain open—dialogue, dialogue, dialogue – the foundation of sound industrial relations. We have made it abundantly clear to all parties involved that this process was never broken,’ Blackman said.
The controversy centers on the issue of term leave for teachers, which dates back 11 years. Blackman said that the government is committed to settling the issue, acknowledging that industrial action at this stage could jeopardize student outcomes and damage public confidence in the education system.
“I’ve been at this job for two weeks but have not run from problems. This is an 11-year issue that we are on the cusp of resolving. Now is not the time for disruption, particularly with our children so close to sitting one of the most critical exams of their young lives.”
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw said the union’s actions were premature and misaligned with the ongoing dialogue between the ministry and the teachers’ unions, including the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU).
“It was shocking for me… to learn that the ministry had until 4 pm (Wednesday) to deliver a verdict on term’s leave. Even after explaining that we are closer to a solution than ever before, the BUT proceeded with strike action. That was both baffling and disappointing.”
She said that while all 105 public schools opened on Thursday, in some schools, as few as three out of 18 teachers reported.
“But let me be clear—these schools were not closed. Our decision to keep schools open reflects our respect for students, parents, and the many teachers who remain committed to their duty,” she said, praising those teachers who defied the sickout and turned up for work.
“All teachers and principals who showed up— literally and figuratively—deserve our gratitude. Our students depend on you, and today, you showed them that their future matters.”
Blackman also made appeals to both unionized teachers who participated in the sickout and
“Let’s not allow politics to pollute the classroom. This is not a time for divisiveness. It is a time for leadership, maturity, and putting our children first.
“I genuinely believe Mr Lovell (BUT President) means well. He may not declare his political colors, and that’s fine, but he must return to the table. The livelihoods of teachers, the education of children, and the future of Barbados are at stake.”
Reached for a comment, the BUT President Rudy Lovell declined to comment.
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Education Minister Chad Blackman
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados education officials are bracing for a second consecutive day of industrial action on Friday after describing the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) action as a “disappointment and genuine shock.”
The BUT has said that its action, which began on Thursday, will continue even as the Ministry of Educational Transformation that schools will remain open, with trainee teachers on standby to fill in for unionized staff participating in the industrial action.
The ministry has urged the BUT to “return to the table of dialogue immediately” to resolve the long-standing issue of term leave for teachers.
Educational Transformation Minister, Chad Blackman described the BUT’s decision to call a two-day sickout just days before the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination (BSSEE) as “unfortunate and unacceptable.
“The ministry’s door is open and has been open and will remain open—dialogue, dialogue, dialogue – the foundation of sound industrial relations. We have made it abundantly clear to all parties involved that this process was never broken,’ Blackman said.
The controversy centers on the issue of term leave for teachers, which dates back 11 years. Blackman said that the government is committed to settling the issue, acknowledging that industrial action at this stage could jeopardize student outcomes and damage public confidence in the education system.
“I’ve been at this job for two weeks but have not run from problems. This is an 11-year issue that we are on the cusp of resolving. Now is not the time for disruption, particularly with our children so close to sitting one of the most critical exams of their young lives.”
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw said the union’s actions were premature and misaligned with the ongoing dialogue between the ministry and the teachers’ unions, including the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU).
“It was shocking for me… to learn that the ministry had until 4 pm (Wednesday) to deliver a verdict on term’s leave. Even after explaining that we are closer to a solution than ever before, the BUT proceeded with strike action. That was both baffling and disappointing.”
She said that while all 105 public schools opened on Thursday, in some schools, as few as three out of 18 teachers reported.
“But let me be clear—these schools were not closed. Our decision to keep schools open reflects our respect for students, parents, and the many teachers who remain committed to their duty,” she said, praising those teachers who defied the sickout and turned up for work.
“All teachers and principals who showed up— literally and figuratively—deserve our gratitude. Our students depend on you, and today, you showed them that their future matters.”
Blackman also made appeals to both unionized teachers who participated in the sickout and
“Let’s not allow politics to pollute the classroom. This is not a time for divisiveness. It is a time for leadership, maturity, and putting our children first.
“I genuinely believe Mr Lovell (BUT President) means well. He may not declare his political colors, and that’s fine, but he must return to the table. The livelihoods of teachers, the education of children, and the future of Barbados are at stake.”
Reached for a comment, the BUT President Rudy Lovell declined to comment.
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