The PNCR has taken note of another legal victory that has been secured by the Guyana Teachers’ Union, its members and the citizens of Guyana earlier today. The Court of Appeal has rejected the State’s application to stay Justice Kissoon’s Order of April 17, 2024, that the government must continue to deduct and remit membership dues to the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).
This victory is an indication that justice has been served and that the strength, unity and resilience demonstrated by the teachers during those seventy five (75) days were grounded in the laws that are enshrined in our constitution. We must note too that despite the clear judicial directives, the PPP/C Government has continued to ignore the order, thus refusing to reinstate the deduction and remittance of the dues to the Union. This blatant disregard of the law in full public view demonstrated by the PPP/C is simply saying that the PPP/C believes that they are the law or that they are above the law, which is contrary to how democratic governments operate. This must act must not be taken lightly.
The PNCR, therefore, joins with all law-respecting Guyanese locally and abroad to congratulate again the Guyana Teachers’ Union, its membership and legal team on a victory that is well deserved, and a significant milestone for Labour. We pledge to all teachers that as the next government, we will increase your salary by up to thirty-five (35) percent and raise the tax-free threshold to $400,000 a month. We will also ensure that the impact of this increase is felt because we will also address the high cost of living and other conditions of work. We will address your needs in a more professional and responsible and timely manner.
