Guyana Teachers Union on strike: Demanding hike in salaries

As it enters its second week, the president of the Guyana Teachers Union, Dr Mark Lyte, announced that the strike will continue. Concerns were raised to the High Court.

Educators and union members have been protesting for more than a week for increased wages. While not every educator in the country has taken to the street, educators around the country are expressing solidarity with minimal ongoing teaching taking place in schools leaving parents and students alike concerned.

Protest signs are seen waving in the streets asking for an increase in salaries, medical insurance, a review of the salary scale and so on. This protest has brought the country to a standstill with even President Irfaan Ali releasing a video statement on the 14^th after the GTU president stated “If the government cares, they will address our concerns”. President Ali emphasized the government's commitment to improving the welfare of teachers across the nation despite the government's refusal to engage with the GTU. President Ali implicitly referred to protesters as “political actors”, and suggested that the government has already announced new policies to work in favour of educators, and that “no one needs to push this government”.

The GTU also asked the High Court to block any salary cuts of protesting educators, and to continue the deduction of membership dues and remittance to their bargaining agent.

The notice of Application filed by the GTU president states “Conservatory order that the status quo will remain the same, that is the Government of Guyana will not deduct the monies from the wages and salaries of teachers engaged in any industrial action until the determination of the matter,”

No date has been set for the hearing of the request for a conservatory order, but the substantive case against the deduction of union dues is set for April 3, 2024.

Lyte asks teachers to “stop complaining about salary cut” for being off the job as “we are in this for the long haul.” He estimates that approximately 6,000 teachers stand to lose their pay for being on strike.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall believes that the strike is politically motivated and an “unlawful” display against the government.

It seems likely that other teacher’s unions will join in to express solidarity making things very uncomfortable for students, teachers and parents alike.