In a dramatic escalation of ongoing labor disputes within Suriname’s education sector, the Union of Technical Education Teachers (BLTO) has formally petitioned President Jennifer Simons for the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dirk Currie and two senior administrators. The union’s demands come amid a nationwide strike that has paralyzed technical education institutions across the country.
During a tense meeting at the presidential palace on January 23, BLTO representatives presented their petition directly to President Simons, outlining five critical grievances that have prompted their fifth industrial action this year. The primary concerns include persistent delays in salary payments and overtime compensation dating back to November 2025, non-compliance with court orders mandating payroll system reforms, and detrimental policies that have allegedly dismantled the formerly functional vocational education system.
Union spokespersons expressed profound frustration, stating, ‘We have been forced to strike. This marks our fifth action – we cannot continue under these conditions.’ Beyond personnel changes, the BLTO demands immediate establishment of an emergency intervention team and guarantees that all outstanding payments will be settled by January 31. Additional concerns highlight deteriorating infrastructure, with reports of inadequate safety measures, poor hygiene standards, and insufficient facilities at vocational schools.
President Simons, while accepting the petition personally, declined to commit to the dismissal requests but pledged immediate action on other fronts. ‘I will begin addressing urgent matters today, including safety and hygiene concerns at schools,’ Simons stated, emphasizing collaboration with both Education and Finance ministries to resolve payment delays. However, she explicitly noted her inability to promise salary increases.
The union has maintained its strike position despite presidential appeals to resume classes ‘in the students’ best interests.’ BLTO members expressed skepticism about government promises, with one representative noting, ‘It’s difficult to trust these assurances. Every administration says the same things, yet the problems persist.’ The union plans to determine its next steps during an emergency general assembly scheduled for later today or this weekend.