Yesterday, two days before Guyana’s Republic Day celebrations, Region Two teachers returned to the Anna Regina High Bridge where they gathered under tents displaying placards demanding “collective bargaining”.
The region’s teachers had joined the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) countrywide industrial strike from its inception. They were just a short distance away from the region’s Mash Day activities which was also held on Wednesday. Intermixed with prayers, the teachers said they would continue to stand together for better salaries.
Leading the strike action, Takurdeen Durga thanked the scores of teachers and told them that their determination will never be forgotten. “You are standing with us, and that is what I admire. We will continue to be here, we are teachers, we have a heart, and we mould Guyana’s children,” Durga said.
While some teachers have opted to return to their classrooms, others donned their suits and sat under the tent. The activity was watched closely by officers from Guyana Police Force. The teachers are insisting that they will continue to stay away from their classrooms.
They are also determined to let the international community understand that the salaries that teachers are receiving are meagre. They said that Guyana’s cost of living keeps rising and the salaries are not matching the increase. According to the teachers, the 6.5% increase cannot compensate for the work they perform and also meet the rising cost of living.
