Scores of teachers from the Pomeroon River and the hinterland communities in Region Two have joined in the strike called by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) for increases in salaries through collective bargaining.
Yesterday, day six of the strike, those teachers joined with their colleagues holding placards in front of the “One Guyana” logo in the Anna Regina Township. Some parents also joined the protesters.
The teachers, who came from various schools in Region Two, told Stabroek News that they were striking for their survival, and according to them, they know where their “slippers” are going. Of a total of 1,379 teachers in the region, GTU Regional Vice-Chairman Rabbinauth Boodram said over 86% of the region’s teachers have joined in the industrial action. He said that the number of teachers joining the strike is increasing and more and more teachers are staying away from the classrooms.
The teachers who showed up for yesterday’s strike action said that they were striking for their survival, repeating that their salaries cannot buffer the rising cost of living. The teachers were also seen catering food for those who had gathered in Anna Regina.
“We decided to come out because we realized it’s for all of us good, the pay we are getting we can hardly survive on it,” one Pomeroon teacher said. The teachers said they were not afraid of “victimization” and are standing up for their rights. They are also maintaining their argument that 6.5% cannot support their family.
Many teachers who had previously spoken to Stabroek News said that they had to seek second jobs to support their families. “I am a single parent and I am earning less than a $100,000… by the time you take out the rent money, send the children to school, no money is left in the pocket” another teacher explained. The teachers said they will continue their industrial action until the Government of Guy-ana, through the Ministry of Education, conducts “talks” with the GTU. The teachers are also insistent that the strike is not political but it is their way of venting their concerns for a review in salaries.
`We need a livable salary’
The teachers have repeatedly voiced their concerns over their current salaries. While they love their jobs, the teachers said they also want their voices to be heard. They said they work around the clock to ensure that children are prepared for various examinations and as such their work should be appreciated. The strike action was joined by a majority of secondary schools’ teachers. All of them said that they will continue to strike until there is an increase in their salaries. “We believe all of us can go back to our respective schools if this is handled intelligently; let the talks begin, we care for your children but how long will we continue to do this job if it’s becoming unprofitable,” a teacher said.
Parents who joined the protesters related to this newspaper that their children have been at home for one week and they are becoming worried. They are calling on the Minister of Education to initiate talks with the GTU on the way forward so that their children can recommence classes.
