Teachers in Region Two continued to observe the GTU strike for the ninth day yesterday as they gathered on the side of the Anna Regina high bridge.
Hundreds of teachers were accommodated under two big tents and two pots of food were bubbling away. The teachers said that they will no longer be in fear of anyone at the Ministry. The teachers added that they are gathered for one purpose – and that is to have an increase of salary – one that matches current living standards – and through collective bargaining.
President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Mark Lyte joined the teachers in Region Two for the picket which was closely watched by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Lyte said: “I am so proud of Region Two. They are standing up for what they deserve, this region has led the way. You have shown the more seasoned teachers in George-town how it is to be done, I am glad to be here.”
He said that members of the GTU were dispatched to different regions on different days to speak and stand at the side of the teachers. He said that he understands the plight of teachers and knows what is in his pockets cannot provide for children in the classrooms. “I want to see a Guyana that treats its teachers well, we are not out here because we want to make a point about the profession; the teachers in this country must be celebrated because of their contributions,” Lyte added.
He said that teachers are the foundation of the nation and they must be treated with respect and honour. “We have done the work, the treatment for the last nine days is heartless, to treat less is beastly, for the nine days is callous, I am saying that we are out because we need a livable salary, we are not out here for politics” Lyte said. He said he can’t imagine that teachers are living with such meagre salaries and gave the commitment that the GTU will continue to support them. He said that the GTU is being attacked daily simply because it is standing up for teachers. He said that the union has done everything legally possible to represent the teachers in a professional manner.
Lyte said that the GTU presented their multi-year agreement to the Ministry of Education, but,“The Ministry of Education is only ready to negotiate policies and not ready to talk about money, maybe they are not in a position, the financial benefits was not dealt with,” Lyte said.
“I am here for nine days; this is too much. We demand talks with the Ministry. We are happy to go back to the classrooms, but this must be done with a review of salaries for teachers,” Abiola, a teacher said. “This is nothing political, we keep saying this, we want a livable wage and we are doing this for [the broader public servants],” another teacher said.
Many teachers have insisted that they are not adequately compensated for their work and many times have to seek jobs outside of the teaching profession. The teachers are calling for collective bargaining, one that is fair and can match the current rising cost of living in Guyana.
