Mark DaCosta- The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a political party deeply rooted in the advocacy for the rights of working people in Guyana, has issued a forceful critique of the recently imposed wage package for teachers. The party describes the package, which offers a 10 percent increase initially, as grossly insufficient given the escalating cost of living and the government’s financial capacity.
In a statement released on August 27, 2024, the WPA lambasted the Government and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) for what it termed a “starvation wage package,” arguing that the increase does little to alleviate the economic hardships faced by teachers. With more than half of the nation’s educators earning salaries of $120,000 or less, the WPA contends that this pay rise is tantamount to “cruel and unusual punishment.”
The party also expressed dismay at the government’s approach to collective bargaining, accusing it of undermining the process and pursuing an “extra-industrial relations agenda.”
The WPA argues that the final wage package reflects the government’s initial, unreasonable offer rather than a genuine negotiation or compromise. Despite the intervention of the judiciary, which mandated a return to collective bargaining, the WPA believes the government’s actions have seriously eroded this fundamental principle of industrial relations in Guyana.
The WPA also highlighted concerns about perceived racial bias in the government’s handling of the wage issue. It noted that a significant majority of teachers belong to a racial group that does not typically support the government. According to the party, this factor should have tempered the administration’s approach, but instead, the government appeared “oblivious” to this reality.
The WPA further criticised the government’s apparent insensitivity to the fact that the teaching profession in Guyana is predominantly female, describing the wage package as a form of “economic brutality” against women.
The WPA’s concerns extend to the government’s justification for the wage package. The administration has argued that allowances related to health, housing, and other areas provide additional benefits to teachers. However, the WPA dismissed this claim as “misleading,” asserting that allowances cannot substitute for a living wage.
Furthermore, the party noted that these allowances disproportionately benefit those at the higher end of the salary scale, while the majority of teachers, who are on the lower end, see little benefit.
The WPA also expressed bewilderment at the GTU’s acceptance of the package, particularly after a 75-day strike and significant concessions on the union’s initial bargaining position.
The union initially sought a wage increase of 29.6 percent, but the final agreement offers only 10 percent, 8 percent, and 9 percent increases over the next three years.
The WPA argues that, after taxes and factoring in the rising cost of living, most teachers will see little to no real increase in their earnings.
This outcome, the WPA argues, is a serious blow to trade unionism in Guyana, which is already in a weakened state. The party expressed solidarity with teachers and other public servants who feel betrayed by their union leadership and indicated support for any grassroots rebellion against the agreement.
In its concluding remarks, the WPA reiterated its belief that adequate remuneration for teachers is essential for revitalising the nation’s education system. The party cited the recent poor performance in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations as evidence of the sector’s decline. It warned that without a living wage, the profession will struggle to attract and retain qualified educators, further exacerbating the problems within the education system.
Looking ahead, the WPA pledged that if it becomes part of the next government, it would implement the wage increases proposed by the unions and work towards aligning teachers’ salaries with those in other CARICOM countries. The party also committed to introducing a Universal Basic Income for all citizens, which it believes would enhance the economic security of teachers and other public sector workers.
In a country where the value of education cannot be overstated, the WPA’s message resonates with many who see the need for substantial reforms in the treatment of educators. As the debate over teachers’ wages continues, the party’s strong stance underscores the broader struggle for fair wages and equitable treatment in our nation.
