GTU, ministry talks collapse
representatives of the union abandoning the process and walking out of the meeting.
“It should be noted that during the prior years, teachers have benefited from salary increases, salary adjustments that reflect teachers’ qualifications and incorrect calculations of salaries. Additionally, there were initiatives which were rolled out to the benefit of teachers across the country and which added to their disposable income as well as their welfare”, the MoE said.
Expressing disappointment in the MoE’s refusal to address the teachers’ demands, citing the union’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for educators, Lyte noted that the union is now considering their next steps, including a possible resumption of the strike and a legal challenge.
“We are going to take this matter back to the court for the court to adjudicate on the matter. We are at present in consultation with our lawyers, and we believe that reneging on the first position taken and the legitimacy of the signed agreement coming out of the first meeting (on Thursday) is placing this administration as one that we should not trust. It is very clear that the Ministry of Education and its principals believe that they can take the GTU for a ride. Our members stand solidly behind us in taking any decisive action we deem possible,” he said.
Both Lyte and McDonald urged teachers to remain resilient and optimistic, emphasizing the importance of fighting for fair compensation and a livable wage.
“To our teachers, thank you for being this resilient and that we will continue to have this fight because we are on the struggle, we are in a struggle for survival. I just want to quote from Maya Angelou who said, ‘You will face many defeats in life, but never allow yourself to be defeated’… Let’s hold fast. The silver lining is right out there. And together we will unite to champion this cause,” McDonald said.
When asked at the press conference yesterday if the union would be approaching the Ministry of Labour, via its Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine for conciliation, Lyte expressed distrust in the ministry.
“I don’t know if we can trust the Ministry of Labour, having that entertained. You would recall our first recourse, when there were no talks, was to go to the Chief Labour Officer who failed in his duty to bring the sides together. So, can we trust the Chief Labour Officer? And further, can we trust the Minister of Labour who is in public, on record as saying the strike is illegal?... So, I don’t know how the Ministry of Labour has any place in this matter [or] if we can ever trust them again”.
The talks yesterday had ensued following the end of a four-week strike after court-ordered mediation.
On February 29, Justice Sandil Kissoon ordered that mediation begin on March 1st with two senior counsel, Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby.
After two days of gruelling talks, the mediation produced results on the afternoon of March 4th – breaking a deadlock that was entering its 5th week. The teachers resumed work on March 6th and the first round of talks between the two sides was held on March 7th and resumed yesterday.