The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is organizing a mass demonstration amid growing frustration over unresolved salary adjustments for educators. Union President Crystal Ashe confirmed the planned rally after revealing that no communication has been received from the Chief Personnel Officer or Finance Ministry regarding the status of revised compensation packages.
Ashe disclosed that despite previous agreements, the Education Ministry’s Finance Department has not received instructions to implement new salary calculations as of January 8. Furthermore, the crucial Cabinet Note required to authorize these payments failed to gain acceptance, creating an administrative impasse.
The current dispute stems from an agreement made under previous TTUTA leadership, where a five percent salary increase for the 2020-2023 period was accepted just days before the April 28 general election. Ashe expressed cautious optimism despite the deteriorating situation, noting that January 13 marked the critical payroll calculation date when officials typically finalize monthly compensation.
The union president revealed concerning contradictions in public statements, noting: “While I didn’t hear him say it, I read somewhere that [the Minister of Finance] said he is unaware of any money to come to us because he didn’t make any such promise or arrangement.”
TTUTA has initiated visible protests with educators adopting red attire as a symbol of solidarity. The union is pursuing formal communication channels through written appeals while simultaneously seeking official permission from the Commissioner of Police for a mass rally. Ashe emphasized that teachers continue fulfilling their duties despite working under outdated compensation structures, stating: “They are dedicated to the children of TT, even in light of all the developments.”
The union maintains that protest actions will continue indefinitely until salaries reflect the promised adjustments, combining public demonstrations with behind-the-scenes advocacy through official channels.