School supervisors want backpay

Senior Multimedia Reporter

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Third Schedule officers in the Teaching Service, including school supervisors and guidance officers within the Student Support Division, are calling on Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo and Minister of Education Dr Michael Dowlath to explain delays in the payment of their new salaries and outstanding back pay.

The officers who requested anonymity said that while other members of the Teaching Service—including principals and teachers—have received revised salaries and backpay since December 2023, Third Schedule officers remain unpaid.

They noted that payments already made to other categories covered salary adjustments of four per cent for the periods 2014–2016 and 2017–2019, with a further five per cent due for the period 2020–2022 in January 2026.

A source representing the officers said there has been no clear explanation from the authorities as to why Third Schedule officers have not received similar payments.

According to the official, the affected officers were transferred from the Public Service to the Teaching Service around the year 2000 but continue to be paid under the Public Service grading system.

To bridge the gap between their salaries and those of junior officers in the Teaching Service, they receive an interim allowance, the source explained.

The officers were represented by the Public Services Association (PSA) up to 2019, the source said, after which the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) became the recognised bargaining agent for Third Schedule officers.

In 2023, the officers were informed that they would have to wait until the PSA concluded negotiations on their behalf, even as other members of the Teaching Service received their benefits, the source said.

While the PSA has since negotiated salary increases for the 2014–2019 period and its members have received advances on their backpay, the source said Third Schedule officers have received no firm commitment on when their payments will be made.

The source also raised concerns about delays in the payment of travelling allowances, which officers said form part of their terms and conditions of service.

At present, the source said, travelling claims are outstanding for periods ranging from six to nine months, with backpay on travelling allowances dating as far back as 2014.

As the new year approaches, the officers are calling on the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Education to immediately settle all outstanding salaries, backpay and allowances.

Contacted for comment, Dr Dowlath said he will follow up on the matter. Minister Tancoo did not respond to messages.