Paramaribo – The Surinamese government and the education unions reached an interim agreement on Tuesday after three months of negotiations aimed at improving the valuation of teachers. Minister of Interior Marinus Bee told the Communicatiedienst Suriname that the unions had accepted the government’s calculations and the re‑evaluation of teachers’ responsibilities. The parties plan to implement the interim arrangement by the end of November. Bee said the government would now focus on the administrative steps required to formalise the agreement. He described the talks as constructive from the outset and indicated that further discussions would continue. Bee added that the government intends to hold more frequent meetings with the unions to raise the overall level of education and to invest in key areas. The unions also requested an opportunity to present their insights to President Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons. The meeting took place in the president’s cabinet. In addition to Bee, the delegation included Undersecretary Raj Jadnanansing of Health, Welfare and Labour and Director Vincent Fernandes of Finance and Planning.
Article source: De Ware Tijd | Image credit: De Ware Tijd