Shadow Education Minister Tim Smith has called for an inquiry into collapsing morale in the teaching profession.

He said the recent sickout and threats by teachers to boycott after-hours activities as they stuck to a 35-hour-a-week deal indicated deep-rooted problems.

Mr. Smith said: "The relationship between the teachers and the Ministry is at an all-time low.

"Many teachers are truly dedicated to their profession, but many appear unhappy and unmotivated. If teachers are unhappy and unmotivated, our children will suffer.

"They feel the Minister has betrayed their trust because, when he was appointed, he promised he would be an advocate for teacher's issues.

"The Minister needs to take a fresh approach and ensure the concerns of teachers are addressed.

"If he ignores their concerns, we could see more children transferring to our private system.

"I strongly recommend the Minister appoints a committee to inquire into the concerns and problems facing the teachers profession.'' Mr. Smith said the committee should comprise of teachers, principals and business leaders and be chaired by a "well-respected educator, retired or otherwise''.

Bermuda Union of Teachers' general secretary Michael Charles said morale would be improved with higher salaries.

"We are still working without an agreement and pay negotiations are very slow. We want a decent living wage. Things don't cost less in the shops just because we are teachers,'' he said.

"Teachers have paid $40,000 to $50,000 to get educated, but the starting salary is only $42,000 a year.'' Mr. Charles also said teachers were fed up with poor working conditions.

"Very few classrooms have climate control except Clearwater (Middle School) which was left by the US base,'' he said.

"I am sure students would settle down and learn better if they weren't hot and sweaty. It's difficult to learn in 80 degree heat.'' Michael Charles: poor pay UNIONS UNS