Video: Teachers Union Press Conference

December 10, 2018

[Updated] The Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] is holding a press conference this afternoon [Dec 10], which follows after all public schools were closed today, due to what the Ministry of Education called “island-wide industrial action.”

Earlier today, BUT President Shannon James said, “Teachers – and Principals – have shown how strongly they feel about the issues within education.

“While the actions teachers have taken have very regrettably affected students, they feel that the issues that remain outstanding have an even greater impact on our young people.

“We need to get this resolved and I would invite the Minister – and the Premier – to sit down with us and find a way forward.

“No teacher wants to harm the education of our young people and all teachers want to resolve this situation so they can do what they love doing – helping Bermuda’s young people.”

Update 5.18pm: We will have more information later on, and in the meantime, the BUT said that ‘schools will be open tomorrow’ and ‘teachers will be at their positions and they will remain in their position as long as discussions with the Ministry, BUT & Labour Relations Dept are going successfully.’

Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the 15-minute replay is below

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Comments (17)

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  1. wahoo says:

    OMG….Our kids are screwed.

  2. paying for private school hurt but.. says:

    at least my kids got an education.

  3. MB says:

    I agree with the teachers on this one. Someone is and has been asleep at the wheel..the dept has lacked proper leadership for years now and has gone from crisis to crisis under various leaders. Enough realky is enough. I am sure its not lost on the teachers that govts find money for private dr browns health clinics and sailing events etc but not for schools.
    One area though they could have been more supportive on was when oba raised consolidating schools. This many schools for a little island is ridiculous and some mut close and teachers and public need to get over themselves and get on board.

  4. WSP says:

    Private school priceless. Look at that bunch.

  5. Ringmaster says:

    Where are the Peoples Campaign, BIU BPSU and Reverend Genevieve/Tweed? Clearly they were only interested in marching and overturning the OBA and get the PLP elected and do not care about issues like this affecting Bermudians. Oh well the people suffering are the PLP voters so if they don’t care then the PLP have nothing to fear. So much for these kids getting jobs in Fintech, Tourism or IB. The 2 Bermudas will get even more divided.

  6. Concern says:

    It was reported on the news that not all teachers are in agreement of this move, and want the Union to work towards an agreement. A No Confidence Vote on President Mr James is wanted.

    Even after teachers get all what they request will we the public see an improvement in the quality of teaching and Learning? That’s the bigger question.

  7. Lol says:

    PLP are the biggest failure Bermuda has seen. Im looking to leave this island before it crumbles. Not staying around for this bs, nor am I letting my kids get dragged through the mess cuz lord knows I can’t afford private school.

    • Honestly says:

      And the OBA?

      • wahoo says:

        OBA were given 4 years to fix an economic disaster which took the plp 14 years to create after being given one of the best economies which took the UBP 35 years to create.

  8. What says:

    My kids are all done through school and university! Good luck to the rest of you hoping that the Government will provide. I bust my back to put my kids in private school and it was the best sacrifice I ever made!

  9. Starting Point says:

    You hear a ton about how every government, UBP/OBA/PLP have had issues with leadership at the ministry, perhaps we need to look at those who are being led as the problem.

    Makes sense that a combination of tenured teachers and a union who are looking to do the least amount for the most they can get would have issues with the department.

    And look at the issues, we need to be accountable…? WHAT no sir!

    I would bet almost every brand new Bermudian and expat teacher in the public system showed up for work. It must be a nightmare for them to work alongside ‘veteran’ teachers in this system…..

  10. aceboy says:

    Hard to watch. This guy needs some public speaking help.

    Job descriptions don’t educate children.

    This isn’t Industrial action. Education is NOT an INDUSTRY.

  11. Joe Bloggs says:

    ‘teachers will be at their positions and they will remain in their position as long as discussions with the Ministry, BUT & Labour Relations Dept are going successfully.’

    Read ‘we will work and obey the law as long as we get what we want!’ Sad. Truly sad.

  12. Yummy says:

    WOW this group looks so angry…