The Ministry of Education is set to investigate why five managers at CedarBridge Academy have been asked to sign contracts allowing them to be fired at any time.

The Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) has called for the school board to resign over the demand, which it says is in contravention of the Employment Act.

George Scott, chief organiser for the Bermuda Industrial Union, heads the board. Its members include CedarBridge principal Kalmar Richards, Government MP Lovitta Foggo, Ronnie Smith and Rotimi Martins.

"It's quite clear they're not understanding how [the Employment Act] works," BPSU head Armell Thomas said yesterday. "In good faith, they should resign. The chairman is acting outside of the Act."

Mr. Scott did not return calls by press time.

Mr. Thomas said the five affected managers had recently become members of the BPSU an affiliation the CedarBridge board refused to recognise.

Prior to that, cafeteria and security workers and administration personnel were the only support staff members associated with the BPSU.

Those persons had wages negotiated on their behalf by the BPSU. Cost of living pay was factored into their contracts a perk not enjoyed by their managers.

"They were told they couldn't become members," Mr. Thomas said of the managers. "The managers had been stuck on the same pay for two years without the cost of living. These five people had enough. They all signed, and were in agreement, to join the BPSU. They're our members."

He added he was surprised that Mr. Scott, a trade unionist, would have acted against the move.

"I know he has a job to do but we have to do it in good faith," Mr. Thomas said.

Asked what will happen if the managers refuse to sign new contracts, Mr. Thomas said: "That's when the Labour Department comes in. We will take it to arbitration if it happens."

Education Minister El James said he met with the BPSU yesterday.

"We left amicably and I don't see any problems coming out of this," he stated. "I think we have sorted it out but we're having a board inquiry."

A former CedarBridge teacher told this newspaper Mr. Scott would be aware that any contract involving BPSU members would first have to be ratified by the union.

"I'm not sure if it's because they're up soon [that he's trying to change the contracts]," said the woman, who didn't want to be named. "But George Scott should be well aware of employment contracts and law.

"It's just the heavy-handedness of the board of governors. Employment laws and contracts say [both sides] have to agree. If there's reason your contract is to change, both sides still have to agree either as a group or [as] representatives.

"Basically, he's trying to dictate to a group of people to accept something that puts them in various precarious positions. That doesn't seem to be warranted under any circumstances. Unfortunately, until [the board becomes] well versed in the code of conduct, then you know they just may have to spend some more time in court."

She continued: "They don't seem to really understand how the employee/ employer relationship is supposed to work. Their track record isn't very sound at this point. Right now George Scott and the board of governors are acting in bad faith. The problem is this is not the first time it's happened. It seems to be the norm and not the exception to the rule."