This is how it should be

We take this opportunity to congratulate the two parties for striking a deal after five months of negotiations.  Early this week, it appeared the deadlock would not be broken.  This raised fears that there could be a repeat of the chaos and problems that bedevilled last year's exams after teachers boycotted invigilation following a dispute over remuneration.

Perhaps keen to avoid another disastrous stalemate, Ministry of Education officials and union representatives struck a deal that both sides agree is not the best.