Teachers’ Strike Today Causes Early School Dismissals and Disrupts Classes Across Tobago
January 27, 2026 — Strike action across the island brought the school day to a grinding halt for several Tobago institutions today. Normal operations were replaced by scenes of early dismissals and crowded school gates as administrative and teaching staff withdrew their services in a coordinated show of frustration.
The industrial action, led by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA), stems from a breakdown in negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) regarding the 2020–2023 and 2023–2026 collective bargaining periods. Teachers are demanding a fair salary increase that reflects the rising cost of living, as well as the immediate settlement of outstanding arrears.
The impact was felt heavily across both primary and secondary schools in Tobago:
Early Closures: Schools such as Scarborough Secondary, Signal Hill Secondary, and Mason Hall Secondary were forced to dismiss students before midday as the lack of supervision posed safety risks.
Administrative Paralysis: The withdrawal of services extended to administrative staff, leaving school offices empty and communication with parents disrupted.
“Rest and Reflection”: TTUTA officials described the day as one of “rest and reflection,” urging educators to stay away from the classroom to highlight their value to the national development framework.
Bradon Roberts, the TTUTA Tobago Officer, stated that the strike is a “last resort” following months of stalled talks. He emphasized that while teachers are dedicated to their students, they cannot continue to work under “archaic” financial conditions.
The Division of Education, Research and Technology has acknowledged the disruption and is currently assessing the total number of affected schools. Parents are advised to monitor official channels for updates regarding school operations for the remainder of the week.
