Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has criticized the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) for its alleged lack of accountability and credibility, highlighting concerns about the union’s financial management practices.
According to Dr. Jagdeo, the GTU has collected billions of dollars from teachers over several decades but has not undergone auditing procedures.
The last audit, he claims, dates back to 1989, indicating a significant gap in financial transparency within the union.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized the substantial financial resources involved, noting that approximately $2.7 billion is disbursed to teachers monthly, equivalent to $680 million weekly.
Given the ongoing strike action and the union’s pledge to provide strike relief to teachers, Dr. Jagdeo raised concerns about the significant financial implications, potentially exceeding $300 million for one week if half of the teachers are on strike.
Regarding the possibility of collective bargaining with the GTU, Dr. Jagdeo stated that while the government is not ruling it out entirely, the current state of the union raises doubts about its credibility.
He stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, suggesting that any organization handling significant funds must be held to high standards of financial management.
The government’s stance reflects a broader concern about governance and accountability within trade unions, highlighting the need for greater transparency and adherence to regulatory standards.