Public schools in Antigua closed as industrial action by teachers continues

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says classes at all public schools on the island have been cancelled as the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (ABUT) has indicated that its industrial action will continue, citing the government’s failure to settle longstanding payments and respect collective bargaining agreements.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education said “in light of the press statement issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers on Sunday evening of continued industrial action, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries hereby informs parents and guardians that all classes scheduled for Monday 12th May 2025 are cancelled at public schools throughout the country and children should remain at home until all outstanding matters with the ABUT are settled and notice of resumption of classes is issued.”

The ministry said that security was at the forefront of the decision to have students remain at home, adding that the “closure of schools does not extend to public school teachers, who must continue reporting for duty.

“Additionally, there will be no disruptions to CSEC examinations that are being administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council,” the statement said.

ABUT president, Casroy Charles, in confirming the continuation of the industrial action that began on May 2, said “the government has not satisfied the demands, therefore the industrial action continues…and will persist until teachers’ demands are met or there is consensus to offer grace to our employer.”

Charles urged members to stand firm in the face of what he described as misinformation and political scheming intended to undermine the union’s efforts.

“Do not surrender your rights, nor interests, nor cower to anyone who opposes any collective decision made by our union,” Charles stated.

“The leadership of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers implores you to avoid being employees who are ignorant of employment relations… proffered by cunning and crafty people in their deceitful scheming,” the ABUT said in its statement.

It said that the strike is in response to unpaid arrears dating back to 2018, including travel, telephone, and technical vocational allowances, as well as ex gratia payments owed to heads of department.

Charles said that despite assurances, the Ministry of Education is yet to honour its obligations.

The union said that the Ministry had issued cheques on Friday, May 9, but insisted that “no industrial action will end until all outstanding payments or allowances are settled in their entirety.”

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the ongoing industrial action as “disproportionate” and has labelled the response from the ABUT as excessive, since the government reportedly processed outstanding payments.

“Now, I said when I got back on Thursday evening, I said that this type of behaviour is disproportionate,” Browne said on his radio programme over the weekend.

“It’s like a hungry man going to a supermarket, right? And steal a bread. Goes before a judge. Yes, stealing the bread is wrong. And a judge gonna give the man five years. Is that a proportional sentence? It’s disproportionate. It is excessive,” he told radio listeners.

Education Minister, Daryll Matthew, said that the government has gone the extra mile to accommodate the teachers in their demands for timely payments of outstanding allowances and other benefits.

“There has been no occasion where I have presented anything to the Cabinet for teachers and their benefits that has not been immediately and unanimously approved,” he said.

He said these approvals have included remuneration increases, retroactive payments, upgraded appointment letters, and specific allowances like those for telephone and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).

Mathew said the dispute centres on various types of allowances owed to different categories of teachers—principals, deputy principals, and TVET educators, among others.

Mathew said while these payments had been gradually processed, the union insisted on full payment by a specific deadline, warning of industrial action if not met.

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