As the teachers’ strike enters its fifth week today, President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Mark Lyte is urging parents and community members to join in having their voices heard by the government to bring it to an end.
With important deadlines approaching, such as the completion of School Based Assessments (SBAs), which are due for submission on March 14, and exams for students, the union head called on parents to join teachers in demanding action from the government. He also urged community members to speak out against the impact of the ongoing dispute on students and school operations.
“Parents, community members, we’ve spoken about the impact this is having on canteen operators, on shop owners, on taxi drivers and the bus drivers. Why are you people so quiet? So, in front of all the schools, even if you have to use your lunch break, take pictures and post them. Say why your children are affected and what you’d want to see the government do,” Lyte urged.
Lyte reiterated that the union and, by extension, teachers resolve to stand their ground and not return to the classroom until the expected conditions are met. He emphasised that the demands are not about bullying the government but about seeking fair treatment for teachers.
Furthermore, Lyte highlighted the government’s stance on collective bargaining, accusing them of unilateral imposition rather than engaging in meaningful negotiations. As the GTU continues to emphasise the need for proper engagement and fair treatment from the government, Lyte called on the government to agree to the reasonable terms and conditions of the union, to resolve the ongoing impasse.
Meanwhile, the court-ordered mediation meeting between the government and the union continues today. At the end of the meeting on Friday, both parties emerged optimistic that the outcome would work in their favour. The results are yet to be determined.
