Several Jamaican teachers who protested for improved compensation packages from the government could face deductions from their salaries and leave entitlements among other forms of disciplinary action.
These possible actions are based on a circular sent by the Ministry of Education to school administrators, in which the ministry said it is aware of the measures being taken by some teachers.
These measures taken are a result of the unsettled wage negotiations.
However, the ministry expressed that the conduct carried out by some teachers is of concern and requires immediate administrative oversight guided by the Education Regulations, 1980.
It also said it has not been formally advised by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association of any industrial action being taken by the Union, which would have allowed it the opportunity to guide parents and students to ensure continued learning.
The ministry further advised board chairmen to make sure that school administrators take the required actions to document leave taken by teachers during the period of disruption.
It also pointed to Regulation 19 (3), which states, “A member of staff who is absent without leave and whose explanation of absence is unacceptable to the board, through the principal, may be liable to a loss of salary in respect of the period of absence.”
According to the ministry, casual leave should be requested before it is taken, and sick leave that lasts more than three consecutive school days must be accompanied by a medical certificate.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that “where a teacher reports to work and has signed the attendance register as being present for the school day, that teacher is expected to carry out his/her duties” and “where this is not done, the teacher may be deemed to have neglected his or her duties for which disciplinary actions can be taken.”
It further stated that denying students access to school is against policy and that dismissing them without proper notice and giving parents adequate notice and time to prepare to get their children is unacceptable and may put the students at risk.
