The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is voicing serious concern over the treatment of Business Operations Assistants (BOAs). A significant number of these employees, some with nearly two decades of service, have lost their jobs unexpectedly. These individuals were expecting contract renewals but instead found themselves without work, with no formal communication from the Ministry of Education.
TTUTA President, Crystal Ashe, drew attention to this issue during a protest outside the Ministry of Education’s head office. Ashe highlighted the positive performance appraisals that BOAs have consistently received over the years, raising questions about the sudden and unexpected job losses.
Adding to the predicament, the affected BOAs are still awaiting long overdue gratuity payments. Reports indicate that some of these payments have been outstanding since as far back as 2019. The lack of both employment and owed gratuity places these individuals and their families in a precarious financial situation.
As of November 2025, over 300 BOAs have been made redundant. A further 200, whose contracts are set to end in April, are expected to face the same fate. Many of these employees have dedicated close to 20 years of their lives to service.
In a recent meeting with the Principals’ Association, the Ministry of Education stated that all documents necessary for contract renewals have been prepared. However, they are still awaiting Cabinet approval, leaving the future of these BOAs uncertain.
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