Valies “Government’s info session has flopped”

The government’s information session for educators has flopped,” said Wilgo Valies, chairman of the Teachers’ Association (BvL) and the Alliance of Teachers in Suriname (ALS). Valies went to the Congreshal where the info session was being held by Education Minister Robert Peneux and several council advisors. The union chairman pointed out that there were only a handful of teachers even though the minister had invited all educators. “It is clear that the educators are not interested in the government’s explanation. They are explaining things that we are rejecting,” said Valies on Tuesday which was the seventh day of the teacher strike. The teachers on Tuesday walked from their union headquarters to the National Assembly where they made it clear that the revaluation must be implemented now. The teachers put together several songs and slogans to make clear that they want to hold dialogue with Minister Peneux, the nation’s legislators and the government. The teachers are determined to strike until a solution has been found. The unions on Friday presented the problems to Parliament and expects Parliament to present an answer. The unions are ready to talk to the government but has not received an invitation yet. Valies pointed out that the unions have been waiting since last week’s Thursday and that they will continue the fight until a solution has been found. “They can do whatever they want but we will not go to school until a solution has been found.” Valies pointed out that the government has an agreement with the teachers’ unions and that it is sending the wrong message to the nation namely that employers do not keep their promises.