Bermuda's public school teachers have finally reached agreement with Government on their contracts.

Conceding that they did have to compromise, Bermuda Union of Teachers secretary Michael Charles described the new agreement as "a win win situation''.

He highlighted four new concessions in the agreement: Thirteen weeks of maternity leave, instead of 12.

One paid personal day a year.

A minimum of two days at the start of the school year in September, to prepare their classrooms.

Half a day a year to meet with the school union representatives.

Contract signing was delayed last month as close to 200 teachers sought clarification on a point relating to staff development hours.

The Ministry of Education eager to implement new programmes mainly in the Island's primary schools, had called on teachers to participate in staff development. But according to Mr. Charles, teachers felt the demand would overburden them and infringe further into their personal time.

He noted there were two schools of thought from the membership, with some teachers feeling the time should be set aside in the existing teaching week, and others feeling they should get paid extra to participate.

While the final contract did not see either view adopted Mr. Charles said the additions represented "a positive move on the Government's part and presented teachers with a contract they can live with''.

"There was a compromise,'' he said. "But we were able to get some of the things we have been fighting for and Government got some of the things that they wanted. It was a win win situation.'' EDUCATION ED