Aside from salary increases, the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Memorandum of Agreement on Wednesday 21st, 2023 outlines a series of agreements on housing, health and other areas for 2024 to 2026.
The agreement was formalized following meetings held between the Ministry and the GTU on July 11, July 25, August 8, August 14, and August 21, 2024. Both parties have reached a consensus, albeit amidst many criticisms, on various employment conditions that will affect educators across Guyana.
Key Provisions of the Agreement:
1. Salary Increases: Teachers will see a 10% salary increase in 2024, an 8% increase in 2025, and a 9% increase in 2026. Should public servants receive a higher percentage increase in any of these years, teachers will be adjusted accordingly to match the difference.
2. Salary Upgrades for Non-Graduate Teachers: Non-graduate teachers will receive a salary upgrade to the midpoint of their salary scale after three years of continuous service. An application process will be initiated following the signing of the agreement.
3. Annual Health Screenings: The Ministry, in collaboration with the Minis-try of Health and the GTU, will coordinate annual health screenings for teachers regionally.
4. Improved Qualification Allowances: Increased non-taxable allowances will be provided based on educational qualifications, ranging from $5,000 for a Certificate in Education Management to $32,000 for a doctoral degree, effective September 1, 2024.
5. Clothing Allowance: An annual clothing allowance of $15,000 will be introduced, payable in April each year starting in 2024.
6. Duty-Free Concessions: Teachers will benefit from 150 duty-free concessions annually for vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and outboard engines. Specific eligibility criteria are outlined based on years of service and position.
7. Scholarships: 100 scholarships annually will be available for teachers pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, either at the University of Guyana or through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
8. Hinterland Benefits: Enhanced benefits for hinterland and riverine teachers include increased station and hardship allowances, improved Remote Area Incentive (RAI), and one return transportation fare per term.
9. Reemployment After Retirement: Retired teachers rehired to serve in hinterland or riverine areas will receive additional promotional points and be paid at their last salary scale before retirement.
10. Classroom Ratios: The Ministry aims to achieve improved teacher-to-student ratios across various educational levels, including nursery and secondary schools.
11. Revolving Fund: A new revolving fund will be established to assist eligible teachers with pensionable status, with details to be finalized in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority.
12. GTU Officers’ Release: GTU Central Executive members will continue to be released for Union duties on Thursdays and as needed. Full-time releases for the President and General Secretary will remain in place.
13. Salary Scale Revision: New salary scales will be introduced for specific positions, including DHMS of Sixth Form and Grade C schools.
14. Monthly Meetings: Regular monthly meetings between the Ministry and GTU will be held, with additional provisions for branch meetings based on geographical locations.
15. SBAS Marking Fees: Teachers will be compensated $500 per student for supervising and marking School-Based Assessments (SBAS) and National Grades 5 & 6 Mock Exams.
16. Housing Support: The Ministry will update its database of teachers applying for house lots and provide assistance through its Teacher Support Unit.
After 75 days of strikes by teachers, punctuated by court action, court-ordered mediation, conciliation, and numerous rounds of negotiations, a deal was finally been reached. On Friday, August 9, 2024, the General Council of the GTU held a meeting and, by a majority vote, instructed its executives to accept the salary and non-salary package proposed by the Ministry of Education (MoE). This directive is mandatory under Rule 13 of the GTU’s constitution.
Earlier in July, the Ministry of Education had announced the conclusion of the conciliation process. This process, aimed at setting a timeline for a multi-year agreement, resulted in an agreement to address a period starting from 2024 and continuing forward.
