Dear Editor,

I am always amazed by the belligerent attitude that accompanies the Jamaica Teachers’ Association presidents to office. It almost seems like a requirement of that particular position for the office holders to be rather militant and uncooperative vis-à-vis the education ministry.

I have the utmost respect for our teachers, past and present, as I appreciate the most important role they play in helping to shape our society. However, it cannot be in the interest of the profession or the innocent students for this perennial war to be waged between the JTA and the government.

Why can’t the JTA and the education ministry put aside their narrow self-interests and try to build a cordial relationship? Perhaps the education ministry should consider employing an industrial relations specialist to interface more with the JTA.

I dream of the day when, before the reopening of schools, for instance, both the JTA and the education ministry will work closely together in furthering the best interests of our nation’s children, without compromising the interests of our teachers. Perhaps the JTA president-elect will change course in that regard.

It is appreciated that the JTA is a trade union whose mandate is principally about the interests of the teachers. Nevertheless, the JTA should adopt a reasonable approach at the bargaining table and cease to be obstructionist.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com