SKTU threatens Education Ministry it will escalate to island wide industrial action over BHS Matter

(ZIZ News) — The St. Kitts Union of Teachers has advised the Ministry of Education that it intends to support the teachers at the Basseterre High School in their continued industrial action.

In a letter to Minister of Education, Sen. Nigel Carty dated October 31st, Ron Collins, President of the SKTU said quote: Such actions are being taken in protest to the teachers and students being hosted at the current site, which the SKTU views a serious health risk to teachers and our learners.

The letter also confirmed reports coming to ZIZ News that both the union and affected teachers are will only consider the BHS matter resolved if the Ministry relocates the school.

Mr. Collins said the union regretted any inconvenience the teachers’ protest action has and will continue to cause. He continued that the union could not quote: Support our teachers and students being in an environment that is detrimental to their health and wellbeing.

The SKTU also issued a threat stating that, while the action would for now remain limited to the Basseterre High School Teachers, they are prepared to escalate to island wide industrial action if their ultimatums are not met.

The letter comes just days after an unfruitful meeting Tuesday where the teachers assigned to the Basseterre High School and the SKTU rejected six proposals made by the Ministry of Education aimed at resolving the ongoing BHS matter amicably.