Schools Nationwide Disrupted as Teachers Call in Sick Following Pay Approval
Several schools across Trinidad and Tobago were forced to send students home on Tuesday after large numbers of teachers reported sick, leaving campuses largely unsupervised and sparking concern among parents.
At St Mary’s Government School, parents were advised to collect their children after reports indicated no teachers were present, raising immediate safety concerns. Similar situations were reported at multiple primary and secondary schools across both islands. Principals and parent representatives cited widespread illness among teaching staff.
Affected schools reportedly include Vance River RC in La Brea, Sacred Heart Boys’ RC in Port of Spain, Exchange Presbyterian in Couva, Scarborough Methodist, Jerningham Government Primary, Montrose Government, Tablepiece Government Primary in Tobago, Poole River Presbyterian Primary, Hardbargain RC, Rosary Boys’ RC, St James Secondary, St Anthony’s Girls’ RC in Diego Martin, as well as schools in Grande, Moruga, Rio Claro, Guaico, and Cunaripo.
In many cases, schools reported only one or two teachers present, while others indicated entire staffs were absent with flu-like symptoms. Parents and educators have described the situation as a potential “sick-out,” although no official confirmation has been issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) or the Ministry of Education to suggest coordinated industrial action.
The disruptions occurred just hours after Cabinet approved wage increases for teachers, concluding years of salary negotiations between the Chief Personnel Officer and TTUTA. The agreement covers the period from October 2020 to September 2023, addressing long-standing discussions over teachers’ pay and benefits.
The Ministry of Education confirmed earlier on Monday that all necessary documentation had been completed and administrative and financial processes are now underway to implement the revised salaries and consolidated allowances. The Ministry assured that implementation would follow established public service procedures and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teachers’ welfare and strengthening the education
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