Guyana Teachers Union Threatens Resumption of Strike Action

Guyana Teachers Union Threatens Resumption of Strike Action

Guyana Teachers Union Threatens Resumption of Strike Action

Guyana Teachers Union Threatens Resumption of Strike Action

As public schools in Guyana prepare to reopen for the August term on Monday, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has issued a warning that strike action may resume if negotiations with the government do not yield satisfactory results.

During a Facebook live session on Sunday afternoon, GTU President Mark Lyte announced that while the union will not immediately engage in strike action, the possibility of resuming a full-fledged strike remains on the table.

Lyte stated, “…looming over us is the resumption of a full-fledged strike at a date to be announced to the membership. This second phase of the strike action will only be abated when the two sides agree on a salary package for the teachers of Guyana. The date for the resumption of the strike will be announced shortly.”

The GTU President revealed that the union’s General Council has suggested three options during recent discussions: resuming strike action, pursuing mutually agreed upon arbitration with the government, or pursuing litigation against the Ministry of Labour. The decision on the way forward now lies with the union’s executives.

Lyte warned teachers to be prepared for a possible return to strike action as soon as Tuesday.

The ongoing dispute between the GTU and the Ministry of Education revolves around salary negotiations. While the union demands retroactive pay hikes for the period 2019 – 2023, the Ministry of Education maintains that there is no fiscal space for such increases and is only willing to discuss raises for 2024.

Amidst these negotiations, legal action is also underway, with the High Court set to hear arguments about the government’s right to cut striking teachers’ salaries and cease the automatic deduction and transfer of union dues on Wednesday.

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Until a decision is reached by the court, the government is unable to pursue these actions.

The GTU urges the government to engage in meaningful negotiations to address the concerns of teachers and avoid further disruption to the education system. Further updates on the situation are expected in the coming days.

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