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By Mark DaCosta- The recent Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for 2024-2026, signed by President Mark Lyte and 2nd Vice President Julian Cambridge on behalf of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), has been presented by Lyte as a significant advancement for teachers.
However, a closer examination reveals several critical shortcomings, particularly when compared to previous agreements between workers and unions. While the new agreement attempts to address some pressing issues, it ultimately falls far short of delivering the comprehensive improvements that teachers and educators desperately need and deserve.
At first glance, the proposed salary increases might appear generous, However, these figures must be contextualised within the broader economic environment. Inflation and the rising cost of living have eroded the real value of teachers’ salaries, making these increases less impactful than they might initially seem.
The fact that the performance-based incentive remains stagnant at 2 percent annually further underscores the inadequacy of these raises. Teachers are being asked to shoulder more responsibilities without a commensurate increase in compensation, a point that seems to have been overlooked by the president of the GTU.
One of the most glaring weaknesses in the new MoA is the reconfiguration of allowances. The emotional/stress allowance, previously a modest $5,000 monthly, has been replaced by a $25,000 annual Health/Risk Allowance.
This shift not only reduces the overall amount allocated for stress management but also fails to acknowledge the daily challenges teachers face.
The monthly material allowance of $100,000, which was crucial for covering expenses like internet and devices, has been scrapped in favour of a meagre $10,000 monthly Internet/Mobile Data Allowance. This change is a significant step backwards, particularly in a digital age where reliable internet access is essential for teaching.
The continuation of duty-free concessions for motor vehicles and the introduction of benefits for outboard engines may seem like a win on paper, but the reality is far less favourable. The concessions are limited to specific categories of teachers and administrators, effectively excluding a large portion of the teaching workforce.
Moreover, the expansion of eligibility criteria for senior educators fails to address the needs of younger teachers who might benefit more from such incentives early in their careers. This narrow focus on seniority rather than merit or need is a missed opportunity to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all educators.
The proposed MoA’s approach to credential allowances is inconsistent at best. While the introduction of an allowance for all First Degrees is a positive step, it does little to address the broader issue of inadequate compensation for advanced qualifications.
The allowances for Master’s and Doctoral Degrees remain unchanged, which is disappointing given the increasing costs associated with higher education. This stagnation sends a discouraging message to teachers who are striving to further their education and expertise.
The proposed Remote Area Incentive (RAI) increase to $50,000 per month might seem like a substantial improvement, but it falls short of addressing the real challenges faced by teachers in hinterland and riverain areas. The cost of living in these regions is significantly higher than in urban areas, and the increase in RAI, while welcome, is insufficient to offset these expenses. Furthermore, the continuation of return transportation fare at the end of each term is a bare minimum gesture that does little to make hinterland postings genuinely attractive or sustainable.
The provisions for reemployment, welfare matters, and the marking of SBAs in the proposed MoA reflect a continuation of policies that have long been insufficient. The increase in compensation for marking SBAs to $1,500 per student is a token gesture that fails to fully recognise the significant time and effort required for this task. The proposal to provide housing facilities for teachers is a positive step, but without clear implementation strategies and timelines, it risks being another empty promise.
Clothing allowance whilst it has moved from $8000 to $15,000 per year when compared with school a aged child that gets $45,000 “We care cash grant” for the school year the teachers are not better off.
The 2024-2026 MoA, signed by Lyte and Cambridge represents a missed opportunity to make meaningful changes that would truly benefit Guyana’s educators. While there are some seemingly good aspects, they are overshadowed by the agreement’s complete and absolute failure to adequately address the real and pressing needs of teachers.
The MoA falls short of providing the financial, professional, and emotional support that educators require in today’s challenging environment.
There is widespread view among the Union’s membership and some in society the GTU leadership should have done more to advocate for a fair and comprehensive agreement that genuinely uplifts the teaching profession. It should be noted, too, that many observers, analysts, trade union officers, and members of the GTU are expressing dissatisfaction with Lyte’s leadership.
