The opposition APNU+AFC today declared solidarity with striking teachers.
A statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition follows:
“The Opposition Coalition stands firmly with the teachers of Guyana during this crucial time, as they intensify their efforts to get the government to meet their legitimate demands. We fully understand the challenges teachers are facing and are morally outraged by the injustices meted out to them by the current regime. Rest assured, we are committed to reversing all punitive measures instituted by the PPP/C and to ensuring that the rights and welfare of teachers are upheld and improved.
We recognize the importance of collective bargaining and will respect the legitimate representation of teachers through the Guyana Teachers’ Union. It is unacceptable that the Ministry of Education has neglected the union’s concerns and attempts to undermine the duly elected representatives of teachers.
We are paying close attention to the ongoing industrial action taken by Guyana’s teachers. We understand their fight for betterment through a multi-year agreement with the Ministry of Education. The behavior of Ministers Manickchand and Hamilton is anti-union and anti-working class. The PPP continues to disregard and trample on the human rights of teachers, students, parents, and other citizens.
As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we want to assure teachers that upon assuming office, we will prioritize their needs and ensure that the oil wealth reaches all Guyanese, including teachers. We are committed to restoring what was taken away from them. We see the improvement of working conditions and well-being of teachers as one of our moral responsibilities.
In addition, we see it as integral to our People-centred Development Strategy which states, in part, that we will “ensure that the needs of the people, such as health care, housing, water, electricity, education, transportation, and other social services are of a high quality and guaranteed.” To teachers across Guyana: your dedication to educating our nation’s youth is invaluable, and we stand united and in solidarity with you in your pursuit of fairness and justice. Together, we can make teaching a fulfilling and rewarding profession. Together, we can build an education system that is unmatched in the region.