Reid (left) and Monteith (right)
THE JAMAICA Teachers' Association (JTA) says it is concerned with the last-minute attempt by the Ministry of Education and Youth to bond more than 500 teachers who studied part-time without taking leave.
The Education Ministry agreed to reimburse 50 per cent of the tuition fees for teachers who pursue studies since 2003 without taking leave of absence. But Ruel Reid, president of the JTA, said the bonding of teachers was not a part of the agreement.
"We feel that it is a breach because last month we signed off on the agreement but now we are hearing that teachers will be bonded," Mr. Reid told The Gleaner yesterday.
The refund of tuition fees for teachers came out of the JTA's 2002 wage and fringe benefits negotiations.
Mr. Reid said the JTA found out that teachers would be bonded when one of the educators went to the Education Ministry to collect her cheque and was presented with a letter, which outlined the conditions of the reimbursement which included bonding.
He added that the JTA has not been advised of the period of bonding but noted that this matter would have to be addressed at the monthly meeting between the JTA and the Education Ministry on Tuesday.
Currently, a teacher who takes study leave with pay is bonded for three years. Mr. Reid said teachers who study without taking leave of absence save the Government money and therefore there is no need to bond them.
Contacted yesterday, Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister in the Education Ministry, said once the Government spends on teachers, it is expected that they contribute to the education system for a period of time.
"If Government is spending so much money, there must be some guarantee that teachers give back some service," Senator Monteith said.
