A lobby group pushing for educational reform has called upon parents to unite against a proposed teachers' strike.

Responding to news that the 900-strong Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) will walk out in three weeks if staff shortages are not addressed, Myron Piper of the Bermuda Educational Parents' Association (BEPA) said: "Here we are again, nearing the end of another school year, and the teachers are threatening to strike with no regard for students and parents."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education yesterday rejected claims from BUT general secretary Mike Charles that the shortage was so severe that some classes have been going unsupervised. The Ministry said it had contacted all principals yesterday and concluded Mr. Charles' claims were unfounded.

Acting Education Minister Elvin James said the Ministry was keen to meet with BUT to avert any disruptions to students.

Mr. Piper accused the union of focusing on the needs of its members over those of children, and asked: "Parents, are you prepared to sit back and allow further interruption to your children's education for an issue that could and should be resolved without strike action?

"This would be an issue that can be discussed on Government TV allowing the public to view the process and lend its support where necessary. It is time for you to act. Parents, remember, 'silence is consent'."

Asking concerned parties to get in touch with his recently-formed organisation, Mr. Piper urged: "Don't wait for your children to be victimised."

In yesterday's Royal Gazette, Mr. Charles said: "In some cases, because they can't find cover, classes are being left unsupervised."

Expanding on his comments yesterday, he added that the problem was compounded by measures taken by Government last September to remove a number of substitute teachers from the public school system.

He could not put a figure on the number of substitutes in question, but said the knock-on effect on full-time teachers has proved unacceptable.

"What's happening in our schools right now is our teachers feel that they're being asked to do much more than they can do on a daily basis. They're being asked to do coverage for other teachers on a daily basis. Our agreement says in extenuating circumstances teachers might be asked to cover classes. It's not extenuating circumstances when it happens every day," he said yesterday.

The union delivered a 21-day strike notice to the Ministry of Education yesterday, with Mr. Charles saying mid-afternoon that he was yet to receive a response. However, he remained hopeful that things would be resolved without disruption to the public schools.

"This is not something that we enjoy. Teachers want to teach. They want to teach in the best of conditions so they can do their job. They and I do not relish this kind of confrontation," he stated.

In a statement released last night, the Ministry said: "Today the Ministry of Education contacted all principals and, contrary to allegations by BUT, they confirmed that students were supervised and that teachers' lesson planning and preparation time has not been affected."It added that on Wednesday the Ministry had invited BUT to meet to "discuss another matter which is of concern to both parties", but received no response.Mr. James said:"The Ministry of Education is keen to meet with the BUT to resolve these issues and avoid any potential industrial action so that students can concentrate on their studies and upcoming examinations."In yesterday's press release, Mr. Piper said:"This is a situation where transparency by both the union and the Ministry would assist the public and all stakeholders in collaborating on the issue. It is my understanding, although it is not common knowledge, that the Ministry did do a study and found that the majority of substitute teachers were merely sitting around most days doing nothing at a cost in excess of $300 a day to the taxpayers."It is also my understanding that teachers have several free periods a day. If teachers are asked to give up a free period periodically, how does that affect their work schedule? In other words, how many free periods does a teacher have on average? Would giving up one when necessary override the waste of taxpayer dollars?"He also questioned whether paraprofessionals could be used to cover for absent teachers, commenting:"We have to cut back on the waste in the education system in order to provide more essential services for our children. Is this a case of apathy by both the union and teachers?"In response, Mr. Charles said he has no knowledge of the study cited by Mr. Piper, and did not wish to get into a debate with BEPA in the press. However, he welcomed its call to parents."If Mr. Piper and his group use their energies to advocate on behalf of our students, which is what they're supposed to be doing, and we use our energies to advocate for teachers, I think together we will achieve the same aim to achieve the best for our students. We've always asked parents to get involved. I'm glad to see this," he said.The Opposition also waded into the impending crisis yesterday, with Acting Shadow Minister for Education Jon Brunson describing the strike notice as "the latest manifestation of a bizarre unwillingness on the part of the Government to pay attention to teachers".Calling for prompt action, he said:"The threat of strike comes at a critical time in the school year, when teachers and students need a stable environment to complete the year successfully. Our public school system needs strong leadership now. The Minister needs to do his job. He needs to step forward and get this situation under control."If the proposed walk-out goes ahead, it would bring the public school system to a halt for the third time in less than four years. In June 2006, at least 500 students were sent home from 20 schools for two days before BUT reached agreement with the Ministry over a salary dispute. In May 2004, a two-day strike shut all public schools, sparked by a row over parity of pay with that of civil servants.Myron Piper of the Bermuda Educational Parents' Association can be contacted by e-mail at mapiperlogic.bm