By Samuel Gillis
As teachers across all administrative regions in Guyana return to school today, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is once again raising the prospect of strike action.
Mark Lyte, President of the union, recently announced this decision, despite the government’s assertion of its openness to dialogue. Samuel Gillis brings us the latest developments.
Coming out of the Guyana Teachers’ Union’s recent general council meeting are three options outlined by President Mark Lyte.
The first option entails a return to strike action, with no resumption of work until negotiations reach a resolution.
The second option involves pressing for negotiations through arbitration.
The third option under consideration is pursuing legal action against the Ministry of Labour for what the union perceives as a failure to mediate effectively between the GTU and the ministry.
“I am saying it very clearly, this second phase of the strike action will only be abated when the two sides agree on a package, on a salary package for the teachers of Guyana,” stated Mark Lyte, emphasizing the union’s stance.
Despite the union’s position, the government has consistently expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall underscored the detrimental impact of protest actions by educators on the education system and the nation’s children.
“We are in the business of governing the country for the betterment of the country. The teacher striking does not help that situation; it is not a positive factor in that equation. I hope the matter can be resolved,” remarked Nandlall.
Following four weeks of strike action, teachers resumed work on March 6 after talks resumed between the government and the union.
However, on March 12, the government announced that the GTU walked out again on the collective bargaining process.
The situation remains tense as negotiations between the GTU and the government stall, with the prospect of further strike action looming over the education sector.