“The Guyana Teachers’ Union, after listening to the much-anticipated announcement of Salary Increase that was made by the Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh stands in awe and disbelief, that this government could be so callous and disrespectful. It is clear now more than ever that the current administration is out of touch with the realities and hardships faced by Teachers and that of the anti-working class.” So says the Union in a statement issued by its General Secretary, Coretta McDonald.
The GTU rejects with scorn this forced upon “salary increase/ decrease” and is at the point of conclusion to say the rich will continue to enjoy the lavish lifestyles while the poor will continue to beg for bread. “We were hopeful that a process of reflection on past announcements/ actions were going to be used as a guide for the grand end of year salary increases since the government was going to engage the Union….this however was just a hopeful thought from critical thinking citizens.”
According to the general secretary what is evident in the minister’s announcement is that it speaks to a shameless, meagre and disrespectful 6.5% increase to public sector workers falling 1.5% below from the previous year. “The high class indecency and total disregard of this government lends beyond the imagination of public servants, teachers and any veracious thinking citizen which will cause even the smallest child to conclude that this government is wicked, uncaring and deceptive.”
It must be recognised, McDonald says, that teachers are the backbone of an economy dubbed, ‘the Dubai of the Caribbean,’ and to unleash such a whiplash on teachers is most insensitive and disgusting to say the least. “This announcement is a mere dot on the sea of glass when compared to the high cost of living and taxation.”
The Union is therefore emphatically calling on the government to reconsider, with immediate effect, its position, and the lawless behavior demonstrated, while urging government to come clean with the teachers of Guyana.
The pay-out is being done with regard for the workers’ who are unionised, right to collective bargaining. This right is enshrined at Article 147 in the Constitution of Guyana.
GTU is also reminding the government of its ‘Comprehensive Proposal’ that was submitted “many moons ago, and to date not a favourable response was given. According to the Union it’s an opportunity for the government to retrieve the document, sit with the Union around the table and talk like right thinking and law abiding citizens who care about the workforce ,“The Teachers.”
