Teachers from several high schools have grown tired of waiting for their money. Last Wednes-day a group of dissatisfied teachers therefore went to the Office of the Vice President to demand payment. This was not the first time that they urged the government to start paying their salaries and overtime.
“We demand payment of the salaries of new teachers and payment for the part timers and retirees and also payment for working overtime. We also demand that teachers be treated with respect by the policymakers and government officials,” said the teachers in a letter. The teachers also presented an ultimatum to the government. The government reportedly has one week to mee the demands of the teachers. “If we do not receive a satisfying answer within this period, we will be forced to intensify our strike,” said the teachers under the supervision of the Association of Teachers (BvL). The teachers are infuriated by statements made by the minister of Education, Henry Ori. According to the teachers, Minister Ori made it clear that teachers should not expect payment for the extra work that they did. “These statements prove that there is a lack of respect and appreciation for our commitment and efforts. The minister even suggested that those who work overtime must go to the psychiatric institute,” said the teachers who went to the Office of the VP. Teachers have been waiting for their money for many months now which is why last week they decided to work from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. After 10 a.m. the teachers leave their work stations collectively. Meanwhile the Teachers’ Association for Higher Education in Suriname
(DoHOS) has also decided to go on strike.
The strike of the DoHOS went into effect on April 2nd and will remain in effect until further notice. The members of the DoHOS also want payment for working overtime.
