Teachers Union consulting members amid Govt standoff

By Mark DaCosta- In a crucial virtual meeting with educators from Demerara County, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Vice President Collis Nicholson addressed concerns over looming payroll issues as the academic term concludes. The GTU is grappling with government resistance over wage negotiations, prompting consultations with teachers nationwide to navigate the impasse and decide on the next course of action.

Nicholson expressed frustration at the Ministry of Education’s reluctance to compromise, highlighting the removal of proposed interim payments and grants from negotiation documents. He underscored the potential consequences for teachers who fail to report on the last day of the term, facing removal from the payroll until reinstatement, which could take months.

The GTU Executive emphasised the need for unified decision-making among members, citing past strikes driven by collective grievances over the government’s failure to engage in collective bargaining. Educators weighed in, debating the implications of returning to work without formal agreements or documentation.

Looking ahead, Nicholson outlined the necessity for the GTU to secure Terms of Resumption before educators resume duties, stressing the ongoing industrial action until a viable resolution is reached with full member support.

Recent developments reveal escalating tensions between GTU and the PPP government. President Irfaan Ali’s promises of support for workers on Labour Day have been overshadowed by accusations of government apathy towards educators’ demands for fair wages, improved working conditions, and respect for collective bargaining rights. The Teachers Union continues to highlight the government’s deceit and neglect, exacerbated by insensitive treatment during the PPP Congress, where educators were ridiculed. 

The High Court on April 19, 2024 upheld the teachers’ right to collective bargaining. The Government has since appealed the decision.