The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has officially declared a trade dispute concerning the unfulfilled promise of a call for applications which was meant to promote long-serving educators to Salary Scale 6. This call, reportedly set to be issued within three months of the signing of a recent agreement, has yet to materialize, causing frustration and concern among our dedicated teaching professionals.

This scheme was designed to reward our veteran educators — those who have devoted 20 or more years of their lives to nurturing and educating future generations. The lack of clarity and execution surrounding this crucial initiative has not only sown seeds of discontent but also raises serious questions about commitment to honoring agreements that recognize and reward experience and commitment in the education sector. 

Teachers in this category have been excluded from the newly signed agreement, and this incentive is merely a token consolation, as the application is not guaranteed for all but will be subject to scrutiny by an interview panel.

We urge the responsible authorities to expedite the issuance of the promised call for applications. 

The path to a more equitable education system rests on recognizing the continuous contributions of those who remain the backbone of our communities — our educators.

In light of this, the UPE calls for immediate dialogue and action to address these pressing issues, ensuring that all experienced educators are treated with fairness and respect they undeniably deserve.