Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte said the nine-day-old strike is not political but a strike for decent salary. This issue is about bread and butter, he emphasised, not race or politics, and all categories of teachers are on the picket line, as can be seen.
Teachers took industrial action two Mondays ago, 5th February 2024, in effort to cause the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to come to the negotiation table. Appearing on “Straight Up”, hosted by Mark Benschop, a sombre Lyte said teachers were asking to go on strike over a year ago but was urged by the union leadership to allow the government more time.
Teachers feel disrespected
Making an important point, the trade unionist said GTU gave the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government three years before teachers took strike action, and a similar approach was taken with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Teachers struck in 2018 under the APNU+AFC government and 2024 under the PPP, which is in the third year of both administrations.
Valentine’s Day (Day of Love) was sad for teachers. According to the trade unionist some teachers were in tears about the treatment they have received from the government. Whilst teachers are disappointed, feel disrespected and demoralised, they are determined to continue the struggle, Lyte assured.
In August 2020 GTU submitted a proposal for increased wages/salary and improved working conditions to the Irfaan Ali government. The government has refused to engage the Union which is a violation of Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act that mandates the employer to engage the union in good faith.
Drawing attention to the gravity of teachers’ economic deprivation, the president informed many teachers cannot make it on their salary and have to sell sugar cake, farm, or find other innovative ways to supplement their income. Offering his take on President Irfaan Ali requesting teachers to have patience, the trade unionist said there is no need to wait when the country can afford to pay now. According to him, government has the resources.
Responding to government’s accusation the strike is political, Lyte said he believes government is using the fact that one of the Union leaders is in the Opposition (APNU+AFC), and feels if the teachers are paid it would appear as though government gave in to the opposition. He condemned the thinking and highlighted the teachers are from diverse races and politics and politics should not be an issue to withhold negotiation and not pay teachers a livable wage.
GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald is an opposition Member of Parliament (MP). Seepaul Narine, President, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is a Government MP.
Government’s accusation the Teachers Union has not submitted its records for auditing was also dealt with. Lyte said those pushing the news are misinformed. He advised the issue is not a matter of non-compliance but of a law that has been in disuse. This, he said, is not unique to the GTU but also other entities and to say their books are not audited is “absolutely false.”
The strike continues
Turning attention to learning loss, Lyte admitted it is a concern and said the longer government allows the strike to go on it would affect students which teachers do not want. At the same time, he acknowledged, teachers deserve livable income and are demanding the government meet with their union and engage in collective bargaining. Teachers, he said, are ready to return to the classrooms once their demands are met.
Clarifying the issue of cash grants, the trade unionist said that money is given to help teachers with classroom work but does not go to the teachers. According to Lyte, government should be talking about increasing teachers’ pay so these professionals can provide for themselves and their families.
The strike is widespread and reached all corners of the country. The Union leader said teachers made up their minds, even if they suffer a salary cut, to stay on strike because they are fighting for a good cause. Alluding to the fact that some teachers have returned to work because of financial obligations, such as mortgage, car loans, Courts, etc, the president said those who are in the strike have decided to stand their ground. He assured, while the members remain on industrial action the leadership will stand with them. A pitch was also made to teachers to come out and show they are not afraid.
Addressing public reaction to the strike, Lyte stated teachers are receiving overwhelming support. He expressed appreciation and made known teachers cannot do it alone. “Teachers are truly grateful, from the bottom of their hearts.” Persons desirous of contributing to the strike can do so at
Republic Bank Ltd, Guyana Teachers Union, Account # 962956701130.
