By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Department of Labour yesterday warned teachers that they could be fined and jailed if they make any movement towards industrial action while union trade disputes are before the Industrial Tribunal.

At a press conference yesterday, Robert Farquharson, director of the Department of Labour, explained that industrial action should stop once a matter has been referred to the Industrial Tribunal.

Referring to the Industrial Relations Act, Mr Farquharson said: “It shall not be lawful for any person or any trade union to declare, instigate, incite others to take part or otherwise act in the furtherance of a strike or walk out when there is not in relation to the matter in question a trade dispute in relation to which all conditions of Section 1 are satisfied.

“Any person who acts in contravention of any provision of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $150 or to imprisonment of a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

As the BUT’s dispute with Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald over money owed to teachers continues, the union also announced this week that its “work to rule” action throughout New Providence will continue for the third consecutive week.

Last week, the union renewed calls for the dismissal of the education minister as more than 200 teachers marched on Rawson Square.

Led by Mrs Wilson, educators locked arms, chanted, and briefly sat down in the street for nearly an hour before dispersing shortly before 10am.

Last night Mrs Wilson said she was fully aware of the provisions, adding that a press statement was forthcoming.