Peneux once again steps on toes of BVL/ALS

Education Minister Robert Peneux has once again stepped on the toes of the Teachers’ Association (BvL) and the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS) with statements he made after a meeting with union officials. Wilgo Valies, chairman of the Teachers’ Association (BvL) and the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS), on Tuesday pointed out that the union members would determine the response to the statements at Wednesday’s protest meeting. Valies on Tuesday was reluctant to indicate which statements have vexed the unions and the union members but he did confirm that the unions felt insulted. “The minister has made several statements at his press conference. We will comment on those statements after we have conferred with the union members,” said Valies. “The outcome of the union meeting will determine our stance.” The minister had reportedly made it clear at his press conference that he only wants to work with fully qualified teachers whom he referred to as purebred chickens. Officials will also make sure that teachers do not exceed the maximum of 35 working hours per week. The ministry has also introduced strict rules for dispensation for teachers who are also union officials. It will be mandatory for them to teach classes 4 of the 5 school days a week. This means that they will only get 1 day to do union work. Sources told Times of Suriname that the minister has stepped hard on the union’s toes with the strict rules for union reps and shop stewards of the unions.