Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde calls on Gov’t to engage teachers, respect their right to collective bargaining

The following is a statement by Senior Counsel  Roysdale Forde on the teachers’ industrial action:

In a studied and resolute move the dedicated educators of our beloved nation have taken an unflinching stand against the uncaring PPP/C government that has consistently and callously ignored their plight. This strike action comes on the heels of the presentation of the biggest budget- more than one trillion dollars- with zero increases in wages and salaries for teachers and public servants.

As a Guyanese, I stand with those teachers, who have chosen to engage in industrial action to protect their rights, even in the face of an oil- rich economy that should provide adequate resources for their needs.

Teachers are the backbone of our society, nurturing and educating our children, the leaders of tomorrow, yet their invaluable service often goes unappreciated and unrecognised. In the midst of abundance and economic prosperity, brought about by massive oil revenues, it is sad to see the stunning and incredible act of neglect of their legitimate concerns by this uncaring regime.

For years, teachers have been struggling to make ends meet, grappling with stagnant salaries, insufficient resources, and rising cost of living. A few short years ago, while in opposition, the vice president, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that teachers deserved a 50% increase. He also suggested which accounts the then government could have used to pay that increase. Today, with oil money he has refused to heed his own advice and has betrayed his pretense of care and concern for our teachers. His action is the epitome of hypocrisy.

The consequences of the government’s inaction on the nation’s education system are far- reaching. The instability caused by the neglect of teachers’ rights and well-being directly impacts on the quality of education that our children receive. It facilitates an environment of uncertainty and unease within the public school system, which ultimately disrupts and affects the learning experience for students. In addition, the morale and motivation of teachers are negatively affected leading to a potential decline in the delivery of education.

The government must engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers and take real tangible steps to address their grievances. If the government did that then it would safeguard the rights of educators and ensure the continuity of quality education for our children.