EBENEZER--Exams and classes at the Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (PSVE) Section of St. Maarten Academy were affected on Wednesday when the majority of the teachers downed tools and had a sit-in from mid-morning over uncertainties about whether their 2019 vacation allowance will be paid.
Teachers plan to continue their action on Thursday as they had received no definitive answer up to the end of the school day Wednesday, as to whether the allowance would be paid.
Principal Lavern Nelson could not be reached for comment on the extent of the effects of Wednesday’s sit-in. When contacted for comment, Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) Chairperson Roland Duncan made it clear that the “no work no pay” rule would be applied to teachers who chose not to work.
Regarding vacation pay, he said the board was waiting for Education Minister Wycliffe Smith’s “position” before sitting and deciding how to proceed.
