Teachers told to call in sick or work to rule Anger over staff teaching more than 25 hours a week Many public schools may be forced to close today as teachers embark on industrial action.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers have told members to call in sick while those who do turn up will be working to rule.

The union voted for action after losing patience with the Government on working hours.

They have been unhappy with teaching more than the agreed limit of 25 hours a week.

Around 200 teachers gave a near unanimous backing to a motion to reject a compromise deal on working hours at a meeting at Dellwood Middle School yesterday.

BUT president Anthony Wolffe admitted many schools could close as they will not have enough staff to operate. He said: "I don't know what principals will do in this situation, but schools could close.'' He refused to say how many teachers will be phoning in sick. However, similar action in the past forced school principals to send children home.

BUT members have also been asked to work-to-rule, meaning they will refuse to participate in school activities after 3.30 p.m. and will not supervise children at lunch break.

Mr. Wolffe said the work-to-rule was a powerful weapon as staff refused to cooperate with after-school sports, parent meetings and meetings of department heads.

"The problem with teaching hours has gone on for a while now,'' he noted.

"It's the third year the agreement has been broken.

"We should not work more than 25 hours, but many are doing 30 plus. Teachers are tired and burnt out. The spirit of giving has come to an end. "I am very frustrated it has come to this.'' The Union sent a letter to Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher immediately after yesterday's strike vote. Crisis talks have been arranged for today to be attended by the education chiefs, the BUT, and the Association of School Principals.

Mr. Wolffe said he had yet to talk to Education Minister Milton Scott about the situation. He blamed the escalation of teaching hours on a lack of teaching staff and he said teachers were also being asked to forego some of the lunch breaks.

Sen. Scott could not be contacted last night. However, when asked the previous day about the possibility of a teachers' strike he had said it was a matter for the union and he refused to comment further.

The Royal Gazette contacted Dr. Christopher last night. But he refused to comment.

No comment: Dr. Joseph Christopher