By Saskia Warrick
Today, discussions between the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) resumed at the Ministry of Labour, focusing on resolving a deadlock in negotiations over their multi-year agreement.
The Ministry of Education convened the meeting in adherence to the guidelines outlined in the 1990 Memorandum of Agreement titled “The Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes” and Chapter 98:01 of Guyana’s Labour Act.
Saddam Hussain, Chief Education Officer, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to following established protocols for resolving disputes.
Prior to the meeting, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated the government’s position on negotiations, stating readiness to engage in discussions concerning a multi-year agreement beginning from the year 2024.
Mark Lyte, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, noted that recent deliberations within the union’s General Council focused on either affirming existing positions or potentially adjusting stances to find common ground.
The talks aim to address significant concerns affecting teachers’ working conditions and contractual terms, underscoring ongoing efforts to reach consensus between union representatives and government officials.
The outcome of these discussions holds implications for the future of education policies and teacher welfare in Guyana.