-talks to be held with ministry on promotions
President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte yesterday addressed the public via a live stream on Facebook where he discussed key issues regarding the country’s education system and defended the recently signed agreement between the GTU and the Ministry of Education.
Lyte has come under relentless attack after agreeing to a deal that was far removed from the original GTU demands and yesterday there were caustic comments as he made his presentation.
Lyte highlighted that under his leadership, the union successfully negotiated salary increases in the double digits. He urged teachers to honour their commitments as outlined in the agreement, while pledging to ensure the union’s continued support for the educational workforce during the remainder of his presidency.
In addition, Lyte announced plans to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Education in the coming week, focusing on the promotion of senior teachers.
Teachers expressed dissatisfaction with Lyte. Many viewers took to the comments section on the GTU Facebook page, repeatedly referring to Lyte as a “sellout” in response to the final agreement with many stating that they want him removed from the presidency of the union as he doesn’t provide proper representation for teachers and their issues.
In light of the backlash yesterday, Lyte addressed the criticism directly before concluding the livestream, reaffirming his commitment to advocating for the interests of teachers for the remainder of his presidency.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the GTU last month signed a wages and benefits deal for 2024 to 2026. The package included salary increases and a range of non-salary enhancements such as allowances, duty-free concessions, housing, a revolving fund, scholarships, clothing allowances, health coverage, hinterland and riverain benefits, the creation of new positions for teachers on the salary scale, and reemployment incentives
Livid
Some teachers have been livid about the deal as educators struck for a total of 75 days this year to ensure collective bargaining. During this period the GTU had insisted on a retrospective pay deal for 2019-23 but eventually agreed to the government’s position to only discuss 2024-26.
The GTU had originally proposed a salary increase of 39.5% in 2024 for teachers and teacher educators, with 30% increases for 2025 and 2026. The proposal for those on the salary scale TS4 to TS19 was 35% in 2024 and 30% in the subsequent two years. The final agreement that the Lyte-led GTU executive agreed to was a 10% salary increase for teachers this year with 8% in 2025 and 9% the following year. A clause is included whereby they would also benefit from any higher increases given to public servants during those years.
Among key provisions of the agreement are:
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.
In a Facebook Live post on Sunday, Martin Samaroo a teacher from Region 2 expressed his views on the recent industrial action, describing it as both one of the most significant movements in the country’s history and one of the greatest disappointments.
Samaroo voiced concerns about promotion prospects for outspoken educators, suggesting that the current system marginalizes those who challenge it. “When you question the system, you’re treated as an outsider,” he said, criticizing the lack of receptiveness to constructive criticism. He further hinted at reconsidering his role as a public servant, contemplating a shift to becoming a proprietor.
He also highlighted a culture of fear surrounding those who question the status quo. “To question the system is to invite scrutiny and ridicule, which is unacceptable,” Samaroo said, describing the environment as “cultish.”
During his livestream, Samaroo expressed concern over the sacrifices teachers make for their profession, often at the expense of their own well-being. “Many teachers have given their lives to this profession,” he said people who died because of this job. The system takes more from you than it will ever give.”
Despite the challenges, Samaroo expressed hope, noting that a younger, more educated generation is rising—one less inclined to accept the status quo and more determined to push for change. “They approach issues critically and aren’t afraid to dissect them. Social media has made it easier to share the truth,” he remarked.
