Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said the union was very concerned that parliamentarians are seeking a review of their salaries.
"As hundreds of teachers wait for millions of dollars to be paid to them for correct salaries, back pay, confirmations and more, the Bahamas Union of Teachers is very concerned after the details of an interim report of the House select committee were revealed by Bain's Town and Grant's Town MP Dr. Bernard Nottage in Parliament," she said in a statement.
Wilson said the union agreed that parliamentarians should be compensated for their work, but questioned the government's priorities.
"What is the priority, people or self," she asked.
"This should not take priority over the small man, teachers and workers of this country who are suffering."
A select committee of Parliament recommended the salaries of members of Parliament be reviewed, noting that MPs have not received an increase in 25 years.
The committee also called for the construction of a new Parliament within this term, an increase in constituency allowances and travel allowances, in addition to the introduction of grants to political parties represented in the House of Assembly.
Nottage, who chaired the committee, presented its report in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Members of Parliament are paid $28,000 yearly.
Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, who was also on the committee, has defended the report.
"I know of no profession that anybody would have been in that would have not gotten an increase or a salary review in over 25 years," Grant said.
Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney blasted the government and opposition for seeking a review of salaries and benefits when everyday Bahamians are struggling financially.
McCartney said he was "amazed" and "disheartened" that a parliamentary select committee -- made up of government and opposition members -- recommended the salaries of parliamentarians be reviewed.
Nottage said the report received the unanimous consent of all members of the committee, which included Grant, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell, Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells, South Beach MP Cleola Hamilton, St. Anne's MP Hubert Chipman and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly.

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