Three government ministers on Thursday met with executives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and among the issues discussed was the possibility of a multi-year pact.
A brief statement by the Ministry of Education (MoE) on its Facebook page said that on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, the Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira; Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and the Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag met with the President and Executives of the GTU on a number of issues.
“Some of the matters discussed included the possibilities of a renewed multi-year agreement, the many actions being taken to add to the quality of life and welfare of teachers and the various roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders”, the statement said.
In its own brief statement on its Facebook page, the GTU said that members of the executive met with the three Minsters of government to highlight the plight of teachers in the education sector. Several issues affecting teachers were discussed at the meeting. These include:
1. The 2% difference of 2017.
2. Debunching
3. The circular of 2016
4. A new proposal for teachers.
“It was the first meeting with this new government to discuss teachers’ salaries and non-salaries matters. Though there were no pronouncements on the issues raised, a follow-up meeting is scheduled for May 17,2023. We are aware that teachers have been waiting for some time for these matters to be addressed, and wish to assure every teacher that we will not rest until all our issues are resolved with the government. Solidarity forever!”
The government and the GTU have had tense relations on a number of issues. Foremost among these is that the government has been accused of imposing salary increases and neglecting collective bargaining.
