Teachers in Linden have expressed their satisfaction with the recent agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
The agreement, finalized yesterday after a 70-day strike and extensive negotiations, has been well-received by educators in the region.
The new package includes a 10% salary increase for 2024, among other benefits.
Teachers in Linden have praised the agreement, noting that it encompasses more than just the salary hike.
Vanburn Browne, Graduate Head of Department at Linden Foundation Secondary School, emphasized that the package should be viewed holistically, highlighting the various programs and improvements in the school system.
Rufina Allicock, a teacher, encouraged her colleagues to embrace the multiyear agreement and the associated benefits.
She mentioned the positive impact of the station allowance, which is expected to incentivize teachers to work in the interior regions.
Retired Deputy Head Teacher Roulette Bacchus acknowledged the justification for the 10% increase but also called for better support for retired teachers, particularly those receiving low pensions and still paying rent.
Overall, the agreement has been seen as a significant step forward for the teaching profession, with teachers optimistic about the future and the ongoing improvements in their working conditions.