GTU says working on strike relief, legal action GTUC
-meets
The GTU yesterday said it was mobilizing strike relief for use when necessary and it vowed to proceed with legal action against the government over planned deductions from salaries.
Meanwhile, senior members of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) yesterday met with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and other unions to discuss the ongoing strike action by educators.
The meeting focused on updating union affiliates on the strike action and garnering support from other trade union bodies.
President of the GTU Mark Lyte confirmed to members of the media that the initial 10-day strike is still on and will continue indefinitely until teachers’ demands are met. He also addressed the government’s decision to deduct money from teachers’ salaries during the strike, reaffirming that legal action will be taken to challenge this move.
Regarding strike relief for teachers, Lyte stated that the union is working on a plan to support members who have been out on strike. The union, he said, is currently gathering data on which teachers have participated in the strike to determine the extent of support needed.
As for the number of teachers participating in the strike, Lyte estimated that around 6,000 teachers, almost half of the teaching population, could potentially lose pay due to the government’s actions. He noted that despite fluctuations in numbers, the union is strategizing to ensure a
JA8 11 13 14 22 23 27 1 3 6 8 presence on the picket line daily.
The outcome of the meeting yesterday saw the GTU emerging with confirmed backing from the GTUC as well as the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). After the small closed-door gathering, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis emphasized to reporters the importance of unity among various unions, highlighting the support from organizations such as PSU in standing behind the GTU. He noted the need for a strong stance against the government’s attempts to undermine the rights of teachers and further emphasized that this issue transcends individual unions and is a matter of 12/02/24 3 3 10 16 21 22 6 8 22 26 collective bargaining.
While pointing out that the recent decision by the government impacts trade union recognition laws, Lewis expressed determination (on behalf of his union and others alike) to protect the rights and privileges of union members. He also emphasized the need for accountability and fair negotiations in determining benefits and working conditions.
While the union members convened at the Critchlow Labour College, teachers across the nation again took to the streets for their seventh day of protest. Some from the Georgetown contingent 12/02/24 1 took time out from the collective chanting to speak with Stabroek News.
Junior teachers
Jenel Richards expressed concerns about the government’s allocation of funds towards experienced teachers, leaving junior teachers feeling neglected. She emphasized the importance of the government addressing the demands of teachers to show their commitment to both educators and students.
“By the time my salary is paid, my mortgage is paid and that is it and for the rest of the month I have to be scrambling for transportation money and all of 12/02/24 8 that. [Then] there are junior teachers who are getting way less than I am getting, and [who] have children and all these things, how are they supposed to survive on this money? And then when we try to stand up for our rights we’re being bullied, and it seems as if the government does not care… a lot of our money goes to taxes as well and if they should take off the taxes… this would give [teachers] more disposable income. Instead of bargaining with the union and coming to an agreement, they keep putting all these threats out