The GTU’s legal challenge against the Government’s decision to cut the salaries of striking teachers faces a potential delay as the Attorney General’s Chambers has requested an extension from the High Court of 14 days to reply.
The case, which is scheduled to be heard today, also questions the Government’s move to discontinue deducting union dues from teachers’ salaries. However, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall filed an application on Tuesday seeking a 14-day extension to prepare a “comprehensive” response to the union’s claims.
Court documents obtained by this newspaper reveal that the Attorney General, supported by a team of lawyers, cites the necessity to consult with various state entities before crafting an appropriate affidavit in answer to the union’s application. The documents also stated that the complexities of the case, including multiple allegations involving state officials, highlight the need for additional time.
On Tuesday, Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) General Secretary (GS) Coretta McDonald reassured teachers that the battle for better wages and working conditions is far from over, despite the dwindling numbers of educators on the picket lines.
Emphasizing to Stabroek News (SN), on Tuesday, that the fight for fair treatment from the government is not lost, McDonald said,
“Don’t take our dwindling numbers for granted and feel that the battle has been lost. The battle has not been lost”, she asserted.
The GS also expressed deep concern for the potential learning loss of students who are currently out of school due to the strike, noting the potential learning loss as they prepare for important exams like the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE), and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). She highlighted the impact of the strike on correcting School- Based Assessments (SBAs) and submitting scores.
The General Secretary again called on the government to engage in dialogue and consider the GTU’s proposal, urging them to present a counterproposal for negotiation. McDonald criticized the government for its inaction and lack of response to the teachers’ demands, causing frustration and anger among educators.
Despite the decreasing number of teachers participating in the strike, McDonald asserted that many educators are at home catching up on tasks or are at school where no teaching is taking place due to school closures. She emphasized that the battle is ongoing and encouraged teachers to stay united in their fight for better working conditions.
“But we want to say to them, while you see our numbers are not as they used to be out here, just note that our teachers are at home, because, of course, some of them are going to use the time to catch up on some of what they have not been able to do. They’re using the time to do that. Some of our teachers are in school, but no teaching is taking place in some of our schools. Many, many of our schools, they are closed. Teachers are sitting inside there, but there are no pupils or students at those schools.
Distress
The General Secretary also acknowledged that some teachers may be experiencing emotional and psychological distress due to the prolonged strike and government inaction. She reiterated the importance of solidarity among teachers and their continued support for the cause.
In a live video posted on the GTU Facebook (FB) page yesterday, union president Mark Lyte encouraged teachers to continue to hold the fort for one more day (today) of their third week of striking.
Lyte again expressed disappointment at the government’s lack of engagement, highlighting the impact of the ongoing strike on both teachers and students. He also expressed disappointment at the parents of the students who are being affected by the strike.
“Had there been more parents from all the affected areas, if they had come out and vent their frustration, this government would not have been able to do what they did. But like most Guyana, we take it on the cheek and we smile even though it’s hurting, cause we don’t want anybody to know [that] we are speaking up. We don’t want anybody to victimize us… if you have to be victimized for a just cause then so let it be. If you have to be castigated for a just cause then so let it be… People like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow had to fight for the workers many moons ago”.
Lyte commended the striking teachers for their resilience and emphasized the importance of the government taking responsibility for serving all Guyanese, not just those who voted for them. He then made a call for the entire cabinet to meet with teachers and criticized the government’s dismissal of the union’s requests for dialogue.
The union president also noted that the current period during the teachers’ strike will be remembered as a dark time when teachers’ voices were ignored. He warned that justice will prevail, and those who mistreated teachers will face consequences in the future.
In response to the post, several teachers expressed disillusionment with the government’s lack of respect for educators and the education system. They emphasized their determination to fight for fair treatment and recognition in society.
According to Paramakatoi non-resident teacher, Krystal Fisher, “Teaching Is no longer a noble profession. It is a job and the repercussions will become greater than ever”.
Meanwhile, a Georgetown teacher, Jenelle Richards, commented, “It is very sad to see the level of respect the government holds for the moulders of the nation. I am demotivated and saddened and I am sure many of my colleagues feel the same. We are seen as having no worth in my opinion”.
Linda Waldron, a teacher from the East Coast of Demerara, also expressed her sentiments in the comments by stating, “I’m so HURT. I know my children[’s] children will be well off in this country even if I have to crawl. God don’t sleep.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how I’ve suffered for this cause already,” said Region 2 union representative and teacher Martin Samaroo who has been leading teachers from day one of the strike action.
The GTU’s court application outlines a series of unanswered requests for discussions on salary increments sent to the President’s Office and the Ministry of Education. The union seeks court intervention to affirm the legality of its strike action and refute any allegations of non-compliance with legal procedures.
In his live video, Lyte stated that the GTU is set to hold a meeting over the weekend to determine the next steps.
