By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRINCIPALS and senior administrators walked off the job this week, leaving schools unprepared for next Monday’s reopening, after the Bahamas Education Managerial Union (BEMU) voted not to return to work until the Ministry of Education resolves long-standing disputes over allowances, promotions, and other issues.

BEMU president Stephen McPhee said the ministry promised on August 7 to address concerns, which initially persuaded members to remain on the job. However, he said the government failed to deliver before orientation week, when administrators normally assign classes and prepare schools for students’ return. “They’ve made promises to us,” Mr McPhee said.

“They acknowledge for some time that what is happening is not in order, and they’re going to seek to address it. All we’re saying is there has to be more than talk, but demonstration that you’re seeking to resolve it.”

Union members met again yesterday after being told officials were still “working on” the commitments. They voted to stop reporting to work until the issues are resolved.

BEMU, which represents about 490 members and holds a strike certificate from May, said one of the key disputes involves allowances owed under its industrial agreement. Mr McPhee said a $300 clothing allowance due in July was not paid, nor were members informed.

The ministry, in a statement, said clothing and transportation allowances will be paid directly to officers by early September, with arrears settled. It added that geographical allowances have already been issued, with any outstanding balances to be cleared.

Mr McPhee disputed that claim, saying at least one executive officer has not received payment.

The ministry also said nine pending reassignments were completed on August 25, while confirmation for 37 officers is still under review. Promotions, it said, will be finalised “without delay.”

But Mr McPhee questioned how schools could open without principals and vice principals in place. “Without delay, how the school open without these principles, vice principals and senior master mistress?” he asked.

“They’re taking teachers out of classrooms and telling the teachers against the directives of the public service. So we’re saying to them, you don’t have the authority to promote people, nor demote them. They’re telling some of our members -- we have a member who’s a principal -- they deemed him a challenge. They want to send him and make him a vice principal. We’re saying you can’t do that. There’s a process.”

The ministry said health and safety concerns highlighted by the union had been addressed, but Mr McPhee insisted conditions remain unsafe. “You go in that building, mould all over the place. Sometimes in the morning, you open the building, there’s a sewer scent. They are well aware of it. There’s documented letters from at least the past three permanent secretaries saying that the place is a concern and it poses a health risk.”

He also said despite assurances, no security officers were stationed at schools yesterday, forcing principals to open gates themselves.

In its statement, the ministry said: “Progress is being made, and more work remains. The ministry has not stepped away from these responsibilities and will not do so.

“We continue to act in accordance with our duty to safeguard the welfare of staff, to strengthen confidence in public administration, and above all, to protect the learning environment for our students.”

It added: “The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training reaffirms its commitment to partnership with BEMU and all stakeholders in education.

“The well-being of our educators and administrators is directly linked to the success of our children.

“That truth guides our actions, and it is the foundation on which we will continue to resolve these matters fairly, transparently, and with respect for all involved.”

The union said it hopes meaningful progress will be made before students return next Monday, stressing that none of its demands are unreasonable.