The Grenada Union Of Teachers (GUT) is blaming the Government for not standing up to its end of the bargain where it had promised to submit data indicating that the Grenada economy is in bad shape…the major factor at the heart of the 4% salary increase issue.
GUT President General, Jude Bartholomew, was speaking today in a News Conference outlining their position concerning the matter, which the Government said that it could not honour at the time agreed upon, because of economic challenges it continues to face due to COVID-19.
Bartholomew is accusing the Government’s Negotiating Team of being disrespectful under the circumstances.
Bartholomew indicated that with the matter deadlocked, the Labour Commissioner is due to present some recommendations to both parties, sometime this month.
However, the Police have expressed concern with the GUT protest marches especially as it surrounds the need for the organization to encourage its members to adhere to protocols which have been declared law, in view of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 virus.
On this score, the police noted an investigation was launched and on Saturday, the GUT President General was pulled in for questioning.
He said the march then, April 7 was orderly and the Police was there.
Bartholomew made references to events like state functions, particularly the funeral of Elvin Nimrod and other activities which received permission under the COVID protocols that needed police attention and felt that the surveillance on the teachers protests is discriminatory.
The GUT President General says they’ll not be intimidated.
President General of the GUT, Jude Bartholomew.
According to a police report, Bartholomew was questioned by officers of the Criminal Investigations Department in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding possible violations of the Emergency Powers Act and breaches of the Covid-19 protocols.
This action prompted discussions in many quarters of the country with comments relating to victimization beginning to rear its ugly head.
Political leader of the National Democratic Congress, Adrian Thomas, speaking on the NDC heart beat program on Wee Fm radio yesterday, stated that the action is troubling and a serious cause of concern.
He did go on to say, however, that the unity among the unions was evident on the week-end.
Political Leader of the National Democratic Congress Adrian Thomas.
However, the RGPF this morning held a News conference clearing the air on what it regarded as some of the misconceptions that was parading on social media.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Franklyn Redhead, spoke on the issue, while at the same time asked individuals and groupings to seek permission to hold any protest action.
When asked by a reporter what was different about the protest action by the GUT that was held on April 7, in comparison to other protest actions that were held, Redhead noted that the GUT did not receive permission to do so.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Franklyn Redhead.
