In anticipation of an impending teachers’ strike, parents in Region Ten opted to keep their children at home, resulting in disruptions in school attendance across various institutions.
The strike, organized by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), aimed to address longstanding grievances regarding salary increases and unmet benefits.
At Harmony Secondary School, all 49 teachers reported for duty, yet parents decided to keep their students at home.
Similarly, at Mackenzie High School, the majority of teachers stayed away, impacting the normal functioning of the school.
Watooka Day Primary saw only five teachers in attendance, with minimal learners present in classrooms.
Regma Primary reported 16 out of 41 teachers present, further highlighting the widespread impact of the strike on educational institutions in the region.
Maurice Butters, a representative from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in Region Ten, voiced his support for the teachers’ industrial action, citing the legitimacy of their claims and emphasizing the significance of supporting fellow trade unions facing similar challenges with the government.
Teachers who participated in the strike congregated at the Education office on Republic Avenue, expressing frustration over issues such as the 6.5 percent salary increase and unfulfilled benefits.
Collis Nicholson, the Regional Vice President (Demerara) of the GTU, emphasized that the strike was a response to essential “bread and butter” issues affecting teachers’ livelihoods.
NCN reached out to Region Ten’s Education Officer, Nicola Matthews, to assess the impact of the strike action.
The GTU aims to resume collective bargaining and negotiations, seeking to address its multi-year proposal.
However, the Ministry of Education outlined that while 25 out of 41 proposals made by the GTU have been fulfilled, 12 unresolved issues are currently under examination for practical implementation and sustainability.
This strike underscores the ongoing tensions and negotiations between educators and the government, highlighting the challenges faced in the education sector in Region Ten.
As discussions continue, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both teachers and authorities, ensuring the smooth operation of schools and the well-being of students in the region.