The American Federation of Teacher locals 1825 and 1826 have asked the government to return to the bargaining table in an attempt "to mediate the differences that exist between both sides," according to Vernelle de Lagarde, interim president of the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers.
De Lagarde said Wednesday night that at a general membership meeting, unionized teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff encouraged the union bosses from both locals to seek mediation of the issues that are keeping both sides apart. "This is more in the way of an informational meeting and an attempt to learn what the wishes of the members are in terms of where do we go from here," she said.
De Lagarde said both she and St. Croix federation president Tyrone Molyneaux have agreed that attempts should be made to return to the negotiating table to hammer out the differences. "We have written to the government to formally inform them of the wage agreement's rejection on Sunday and to ask the government's negotiators to reopen talks with the union," she said.
The key differences continue to be the amount of money earmarked for salary increases and fringe benefits and certain provisions of the union contract. As the union leaders attempt to reopen talks with the government, the members of the AFT are continuing the strike, maintaining the picket lines at schools and other activity centers. Daily rallies are being held at the Emancipation Garden by the AFT. The strike marked the beginning of its second week on Wednesday.
