It took the court and the might of workers (teachers) to bring the government to the bargaining table to address a proposal for increased wages and salary and improved working conditions. So said Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).
Monday the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) signed an Agreement that paved the way for the teachers to return to the classrooms by Wednesday March 6th and hopefully begin the process of collective bargaining. The Agreement was the result of a meditation process mandated by Justice Sandil Kissoon last Wednesday, February 28.
Clause 2 of the Agreement mandates “Discussions shall proceed within 48 hours of resumption of work and shall be in relation to those matters which either Party considers relevant for discussion between the Union and the Government, which includes financial matters.”
According to the veteran trade unionist, teachers returning to the classrooms will be doing so in good faith and give the government an opportunity to engage as they continue to pursue some issues in the court.
Lewis said it is left for the government to demonstrate its commitment to this process and to turn away from its dictatorial tendencies that seek to undermine labour’s rights enshrined in the Constitution and Laws of Guyana to collective bargaining and a decent wage.
The decision of any union to return to work is normally premised on both sides upholding good faith and living up to expectations, he advised. The trade unionist cautioned that any failure on the part of the government can aggravate the grievance process and see a resumption of protest action by workers. To this end he called on the teachers and society to remain vigilant.
Last Friday the GTUC applied to the Court to join the Teachers’ case which will be addressed today at a press conference.
