The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has signalled its intent to go on strike next week. The union has been in a protracted struggle with the Ali government since it came to office in August 2020. The Union has submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Education for Wages and Salary and Working Conditions but said proposal continues to be ignored.
The Institute For Action against Discrimination (IFAAD) has raised its voice in support of the teachers. In a statement IFAAD says the strike for improved work conditions, safety, and remuneration is justified.
Underscoring the importance of teachers to assert themselves in demanding they be treated better, the anti- discrimination institute says it is issuing a critical call to teachers nationwide, urging them to embark on a united and powerful strike to address the longstanding issues concerning work conditions, safety, wages, and salaries.
“As the voice of equality and justice, IFAAD believes that the welfare and priorities of our esteemed educators, along with other essential frontline workers such as nurses, police officers, doctors, and soldiers, must be the top most concern of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government.”
Teachers, who form the backbone of our education system, have long been subjected to inadequate resources, deplorable work environments, and insufficient remuneration, the organisation highlights.
Touching on the yeoman service provided by teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic IFAAD notes with plight has further worsened, exposing them to increased health risks and placing immense pressure on their mental and physical well-being. During this period teachers provided a service with minimal support from the government. There were reports of teachers paying for internet services from their income to provide online education to students. Some also use their own resources to provide cleaning supplies to sanitise the environment.
“Recognising the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of our nation, IFAAD insists that immediate action is required from the PPP government to address these concerns and prioritise the needs of the education sector.”
In solidarity with teachers, IFAAD also calls upon the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) to lend its unwavering support and assist in advocating for improved work conditions, enhanced safety measures, and rightful compensation for teachers, nurses, police officers, doctors, and soldiers.
The organisation reiterates the importance collective effort in fighting for rights, stating this will amplify their voices in demanding the appropriate response from the PPP government
IFAAD also calls for the resignation of the Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, and Education Minister Priya Manickchand. According to the body, both have failed to address greater transparency and to reinforce the commitment of the PPP government to address the pressing issues faced by our esteemed teachers, nurses, police officers, doctors, and soldiers.
The organization reasoned that engaging all stakeholders in an open dialogue will undoubtedly facilitate a comprehensive resolution and pave the way for equitable work conditions, enhanced safety protocols, fair wages, and salaries.
The Institute for Action against Discrimination says it is steadfast in its dedication to fostering unity, equality, and justice within Guyana’s educational and labour sectors, and strongly believes that it is only through collaborative efforts, led by the tireless educators and essential frontline workers, our society can progress and thrive.
Meanwhile as the government ignores the nation’s public teachers it has always been quick to respond to its politically affiliated Guyana Agricultural and General Workers (GAWU). Earlier this week the government has announced its intent to meet with GAWU to discuss wages and salaries and working conditions for sugar workers.
The right to strike is protected in Guyana per Article 147 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
