By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TEACHERS scored a major victory yesterday, with the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) securing salary increases, lump-sum payments and other benefits for its members after months of negotiations.

The five-year industrial agreement, which runs from 2025 to 2030, is retroactive to July 1. It includes a maximum teacher salary of $54,000, while entry-level pay has increased to $30,100. Lump-sum payments were also agreed, with teachers expected to receive $700 in the third year and $750 in the fifth year of the agreement.

Hardship allowances were also secured for teachers who relocate to schools in the Family Islands.

BUT president Belinda Wilson and union members joyfully greeted the media yesterday morning after a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting included Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Education Minister Chester Cooper and officials from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Public Service.

Standing alongside her members, Mrs Wilson said they were “elated” that the outstanding financial matters had finally been addressed.

Since October 2025, the government and BUT have been at the negotiating table over unresolved salary increases and other financial provisions. The union repeatedly rejected the government’s financial counterproposals.

Mrs Wilson previously said teachers were seeking a 20 percent salary increase over three years.

Tensions escalated last week when the union placed more than 1,400 members on “industrial action alert” after teachers rejected the government’s financial counterproposal for a sixth time.

Members reportedly voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, prompting the union to place them on alert.

The latest threat followed months of warnings from the union that industrial action could be taken. However, yesterday Mrs Wilson told members they could put their “tennis” shoes back in their homes because the benefits had been secured.

She anticipated that teachers would see the pay increases reflected in their salaries as early as September’s payday or in October.

“The 20 percent increase was over a three-year period, so we pulled that back,” she said. “What we did is, we did a five-year proposal that juxtaposed what the government had, and so we're pleased with what we've gotten today. And I think our members will be very, very happy.”

Mr Cooper described the meeting as fruitful.

He said the government and BUT would now work harmoniously to bring a revolution to the education sector.

“This is a positive outcome. It's a great day for education,” he added.