The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) has formally requested the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to provide clarity on the implementation of a negotiated five per cent wage increase for teachers, covering the period from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023. In a statement released on November 25 and signed by newly appointed president Crystal Ashe, TTUTA revealed that the Ministry of Education is awaiting formal instructions from the Ministry of Finance to proceed. Ashe emphasized that the association was assured processing would commence immediately upon receiving the directive. Consequently, TTUTA has also written to the Minister of Finance, demanding a clear timeline for the payments. Ashe stressed the importance of transparency and timely information for educators, vowing to advocate vigorously on their behalf. The statement referenced Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13 budget presentation, where he announced the ratification of Collective Agreements signed in April 2025, which include wage increases for the Teaching Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and the Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. The minister estimated the annual cost of implementing these agreements at $214 million, with arrears amounting to $730 million by December 2025. Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged regarding a ten per cent wage increase offer to the Public Services Association (PSA). While PSA President Felisha Thomas claimed the association received a formal offer, an unnamed source from the Chief Personnel Officer’s office stated that the letter only promised an offer subject to negotiations. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert refrained from commenting on the situation but noted that the 2026 budget did not allocate funds for the salary increases or backpay, suggesting that a second budget for 2026 would be necessary if the payments are to be made.