By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has turned down the Government’s offer of a 10 percent salary increase for 2024, advocating instead for what they describe as a “livable wage” for the country’s educators. This decision comes while the Union’s President, Mark Lyte, is on leave due to family matters.
In Lyte’s absence, First Vice President Marika Williams led the GTU’s negotiations and announced the Union’s rejection of the offer following a meeting yesterday. Williams acknowledged the slight improvement from the initial 9 percent offer but emphasised that the proposed increase still falls short. “The Union has not accepted the offer, and there are still unresolved issues in our proposal. This is where we currently stand,” Williams conveyed to the media.
The Government, represented by the Ministry of Education, had put forward a multi-year offer, including an 8 percent increase for 2025 and a 9 percent increase for 2026. However, after consulting its members, the Union rejected these proposals, stating that they do not meet the teachers’ expectations.
This rejection follows the most recent negotiations, where the Government reportedly presented its final counter-proposal to the GTU. The Union’s General Council met last Friday to discuss the offer, but opinions were split on whether to accept the 10 percent increase. Consequently, the Union decided to seek further input from its broader membership before arriving at a final decision.
Despite some internal divisions, the GTU remains resolute in its stance. General Secretary Coretta McDonald reiterated the Union’s call for a wage that allows teachers to live comfortably. “Our teachers have mandated us to pursue a livable wage… When we talk about 15, 16, 18 percent, they want to know what that means in real terms. A livable wage should allow them to feel secure at the end of the month, rather than just getting by,” McDonald stated.
McDonald also highlighted that many Union members insist on a minimum 25 percent increase, a position influenced by the Union’s earlier decision to set aside the 2019-2023 salary proposal, complicating the ongoing negotiations.
Since talks resumed in July 2024, the Ministry of Education has put forward several offers, ranging from 7 percent to the current 10 percent. However, the Union has consistently held out for a 30 percent increase, reflecting the broader demands of the teaching community. As this deadlock persists, both parties are expected to reconvene in an effort to reach a compromise.
The GTU’s firm stance on salary increases is part of a larger fight for improved working conditions and fair pay for Guyanese teachers. For years, educators have expressed frustration over wages that have stagnated while the cost of living has continued to rise. This situation has escalated in recent years, with the Union taking strike action multiple times.
In 2018, the Union organised a nationwide strike following unsuccessful salary negotiations with the government. The strike lasted several weeks. The most recent strike action which lasted almost three months is a continuation of the struggle for better working conditions.
The GTU’s refusal of the latest government proposal indicates an ongoing struggle that could result in even more disruptions to the education system if a mutually acceptable agreement is not reached soon. As the Union continues to engage with teachers across the country, there is increasing pressure on both sides to find a solution that addresses the economic challenges faced by educators.
