Dear Editor,
I’m writing to express how deeply disgusted I am with the recent teachers’ strike that the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) organized. The obvious facts of this strike went against the GTU’s claims to be an advocate for our teachers’ welfare. It is evident that the teachers themselves, the very people the GTU claims to defend and serve were the ones who suffered the most from this action, not the union or the government.
If the GTU had continued negotiating with the Government it could have easily avoided this entire situation. The GTU having ended the negotiations at an important point was not only reckless, but it also showed a lack of commitment to a meaningful resolution.
The behaviour of the GTU raises serious concerns about their intentions and also served to damage the trust that is necessary for any meaningful conversation regarding the wellbeing of the nation’s teachers.
In addition, given the GTU’s initial bad faith decision to end negotiations, it appears funny that the government is now expected to respond in good faith. This expectation seems unjust and out of balance, especially in light of the union’s first approach to the issue.
In conclusion, I ask of the GTU, in keeping with the court outcome, to return to the discussion table with sincerity and above all the welfare of the nation’s children. They deserve nothing less than our combined efforts to make sure their education continues uninterrupted and that any choices made by the GTU before will not harm their future.
Sincerely,
Alvin Hamilton