Government and Trade Unions Reach Agreement, End Teachers’ Strike in Haiti
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC—
Agreement Reached to End Strike
The government has signed an agreement with trade unions representing teachers in Haiti, officially ending an indefinite strike that began on January 13 and paralyzed public schools.
Key Outcomes of the Agreement
The agreement was reached after a meeting between government officials, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Aimé, Education Minister Antoine Augustin, and Economy Minister Alfred Mettelus, and trade union representatives.
The key outcomes of the agreement include:
Regularization of Teacher Status
The government has committed to continuing and strengthening the steps being taken to regularise, as soon as possible, the situation of teachers working without pay or without a letter of appointment and to process files relating to salary arrears owed to the teachers.
Debit Card for Teachers and Staff
From February, teachers and staff at the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) will be provided with a debit card for 15,000 Gourdes (one Gourde = US$0.007 cents).
Public Insurance Coverage and School Canteen Programme
The government has also committed to working closely with state agencies to restore public insurance coverage for teachers and other Ministry employees and to partnering with the National School Canteen Programme to guarantee a hot meal for students and other stakeholders.
Joint Commission to Examine Teacher Situation
There is also a commitment to establish a Joint Commission to examine the situation of primary and secondary school teachers.
Future Social Dialogue Framework
In addition to these immediate commitments, the government and the unions have agreed to continue discussions within a strengthened social dialogue framework.
Objective of the Agreement
The objective is to reach a lasting memorandum of understanding that will resolve the structural problems of the education sector, including the adjustment and harmonization of salaries and the improvement of working conditions.
Conclusion
The agreement reached between the government and trade unions represents a significant step forward in resolving the prolonged teachers’ strike in Haiti. The implementation of the agreement’s key outcomes will help to improve the working conditions and benefits of teachers, ultimately benefiting the education sector as a whole.
FAQs
* Q: What is the outcome of the agreement between the government and trade unions?
A: The agreement officially ends the indefinite strike by teachers, which began on January 13, and outlines key measures to improve the working conditions and benefits of teachers.
* Q: What are the key outcomes of the agreement?
A: The key outcomes include the regularization of teacher status, provision of debit cards for teachers and staff, public insurance coverage, and the establishment of a Joint Commission to examine the situation of primary and secondary school teachers.
* Q: What is the objective of the agreement?
A: The objective is to reach a lasting memorandum of understanding that will resolve the structural problems of the education sector, including the adjustment and harmonization of salaries and the improvement of working conditions.