The expected signing of a Memorandum of Under-standing (MoU) between the Ministry of Education and the GTU on a multi-year wage package has been delayed, according to the union’s President Mark Lyte.
The postponement follows signs of an internal rift over the government’s offer and subsequent consultations with union members regarding a proposed 10% salary increase for 2024.
Coretta McDonald, Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) General Secretary, provided further insight into the situation to Stabroek News as well. She stated yesterday that while the government had made a formal 10% offer last Thursday, supporting documentation only referenced a 9% increase. Consequently, the GTU’s highest decision-making body—the membership—rejected the 10% proposal, prompting the delay in finalizing the MoU.
McDonald highlighted that the union’s decision-making process is heavily influenced by its members, who are advocating for a higher percentage increase. The GTU is now holding out for a more favourable deal before any MoU is signed.
The MoU, once completed, will address not only salary increases but also other significant issues affecting teachers. The agreement is expected to span from 2024 to 2026, with salary adjustments spread across the three years, rather than a single percentage increase for the entire period.
Reports suggest that the government’s multi-year proposal includes a 10% increase for 2024, followed by 9% for 2025 and 8% for 2026. Additionally, there is a clause indicating that if other public sector workers receive higher rates, the GTU’s salary increases will be adjusted accordingly. This proposal comes after a 7% increase was initially rejected by the GTU.
According to the GTU’s original proposal, teachers and teacher educators would receive a salary increase of 39.5% for 2024, followed by 30% increases in 2025 and 2026. Teachers from salary scale TS4 to TS19 would receive a 35% increase in 2024, followed by 30% increases in the subsequent years.
No official statements were available from either the GTU or the government as of yesterday. The GTU continues to engage in discussions with its members to finalize their stance.
In a recent message to teachers, Lyte outlined a potential agreement involving 10%, 9% and 8% increases over three years, with a provision for adjustments based on public sector pay rates. He emphasized the need for a swift resolution to roll out benefits by September and urged members to participate in upcoming regional and branch meetings.
The message was met with frustration by some teachers, who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the proposed increases. Member Melicia Murray criticized the outcome as inadequate, questioning the transparency and rationale behind the 10% offer after a prolonged strike for collective bargaining with the government.
Earlier negotiations had included a 7% increase proposal, which the GTU had rejected. Subsequent meetings between the GTU and the Ministry of Education addressed several key issues, though full agreement had yet to be reached.
Lyte urged members to remain cautious of unverified information and assured that both parties are committed to issuing a joint statement once a resolution is achieved.
In two separate periods beginning in February this year, teachers struck for a total of 75 days in a showdown with the government that saw court action, court-appointed mediation and two periods of conciliation. A landmark decision by Justice Sandil Kissoon sided with the union on the question of the legality of its strike.
The education system was severely affected by the strike to the extent that end of term exams had to be cancelled.
