In keeping with the recently signed memorandum of agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), the government yesterday announced that teachers across the country have received in their bank accounts salary increases and adjustments to a total of more than $2.5b.
A release from the Ministry of Education said that this underscores the government’s commitment to valuing the hard work and dedication of the educators.
A total of 14,786 teachers have benefitted, the ministry said “providing much-needed support to teachers and recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of our nation. The 10% increase and the salary adjustments have put more than $2.5 billion in the hands of our educators countrywide”, the ministry said.
The deal came after around 75 days of industrial action by teachers in what was the most significant strike against a government in decades. The strike effectively forced the government to engage in collective bargaining with the GTU which it had avoided. The GTU was also successful before the court in protecting the salaries of strikers and preserving the deduction of union dues.
The sealing of the deal triggered controversy with some teachers accusing the GTU President, Mark Lyte of accepting a deal far below what was expected.
