The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) says it is still unaware of any planned industrial action being taken by its members.
TTUTA President Crystal Ashe told TTT News that his executive is engaged in professional development workshops and staff meetings for the day. He said the union learnt that 63% of teachers and 62% of students were absent from schools on Wednesday.
The TTUTA boss noted that this was not due to any directive from his executive.
“There seems to be some level of absenteeism among teachers and students at our nation’s schools in Trinidad and Tobago. We are making inquiries at this point in time. A reminder: this did not come as a directive from TTUTA. We are simply gathering information so that we can share it with the general public as we get it.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education says it continues to closely monitor attendance at all primary and secondary schools. It states that preliminary reports show a number of institutions recording improved teacher and student turnout.
The Ministry noted that the agreed salary increases and related payments are currently in the implementation phase and the necessary administrative processes are actively underway in accordance with established public service procedures.
The Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the stability of the education system and to ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.