A nationwide teachers’ sickout over suspended leave entitlements has revealed a divide between the nation’s trade union umbrella and youth advocates, as critical student examinations hang in the balance.
The Barbados Union of Teachers’ (BUT) two-day protest over term’s leave reinstatement has drawn backing from the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), while facing stern warnings from the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) about exam disruptions.
CTUSAB, representing the umbrella of organised labour, has come out in full support of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), framing the industrial action as a matter of constitutional significance and industrial justice. In a forceful statement, the trade union congress accused the government of Barbados of “blatant disregard and disrespect” for a court ruling that affirmed teachers’ right to a term’s leave after 15 years of service, and every five years thereafter.
“The action of the government of not respecting the ruling of the court is therefore an issue for concern,” CTUSAB declared in a statement. “Based on the court’s ruling, this matter… is not a matter for negotiation.”
The dispute stretches back to 2014, CTUSAB said, when the government suspended the leave provision as a cost-saving measure during fiscal consolidation. Although initially temporary, the policy has remained in force for over a decade without formal renegotiation, prompting CTUSAB to label it a “unilateral change” to teachers’ conditions of service.
“This runs contrary to industrial relations practice, where the employer cannot change conditions of service without consent or negotiation,” the body added.
CTUSAB said it was “fully satisfied” that the BUT had exhausted all proper channels, citing recent meetings with both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Public Service, including discussions held earlier this month.
But the Barbados Youth Development Council has taken a markedly different position, warning that the timing of the protest threatens to disrupt national examinations and jeopardise students’ academic futures.
In a statement, the BYDC expressed “deep concern” that the planned sickout coincides with the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (Common Entrance Exam) and critical assessments administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
“These exams represent pivotal moments in the academic journeys of thousands of students across the island. Any disruption at this juncture has the potential to significantly affect their preparation, performance, and overall well-being,” the council said.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of teachers’ grievances, the BYDC urged the BUT to “return to the negotiating table” and avoid actions that could derail student outcomes, particularly in light of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concerns around student mental health.
The council also drew a comparison with the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), which it praised for remaining in dialogue with the Ministry of Educational Transformation. It lauded the ministry for its “open-door policy” and confirmed that assurances had been given, suggesting the contested policy is “under active review” and likely to be amended soon.
“We appreciate the assurance given… that the current vacation leave policy is under active review,” the BYDC said. “With the common entrance and CXC examinations approaching, we stress the importance of unity and cooperation to safeguard educational progress and emotional well-being.” (PR/SZB)
