By Tracy Liverpool
Negotiations between the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education have resumed, with the GTU advocating for a salary adjustment for teachers amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has pointed out that the issue of salary adjustment dates back to the previous government’s tenure.
In a meeting held on Thursday, representatives from the Ministry of Education and the GTU discussed various matters of interest.
The Ministry highlighted concerns such as teacher absenteeism, school performance, professional development, and syllabus completion, while the GTU focused on salary matters outlined in their multi-year proposal for 2019-2023, among other issues.
During a press conference, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the GTU’s request for a salary hike, noting that the union had sought a 20 percent increase during the pandemic period when teachers were not required to be in schools.
Jagdeo emphasized that adjustments to teachers’ pay had been made during the previous government’s tenure.
The next meeting between the Ministry of Education and the GTU is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, where further discussions are expected to take place.