All smiles as teachers, Gov’t anticipate resolution to wage dispute

The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) are expecting to soon have a full resolution to the long-running salary dispute.

Union representatives and Government officials, including Education Minister, Nicolette Henry emerged from a two-hour long meeting Wednesday afternoon with bright smiles – an indication of their satisfaction with the discussions.

In a joint statement, the parties described the meeting as a “working” one where new information was provided.

“The two parties have committed to review the new information with a view of ensuring that the interest of all teachers will be considered,” the statement noted.

GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald said the new information takes into consideration teachers promotions over the years.

The statement further noted that the Ministry will provide a “matrix of figures” which will be presented for discussion on Friday, October 12.

Minister Henry said the specifics cannot be made public at this point in time.

Asked if this means that the Government has revised its offer to the teachers, Minister Henry simply stated that the Government’s offer is “a work in progress.”

Following the intervention of President David Granger a few days ago, the Ministry of Education made a new wage offer to teachers. They proposed a 10% increase for 2016 and 8% for 2018.

The GTU General Secretary is quoted in other sections of the media as rejecting the new offer but today, she told reporters that the meeting with the Ministry was fruitful and a resolution to the wage dispute is imminent.

The GTU, in a post on social media, had explained that the new offer would actually represent a 4% increase for 2016 and 2% for 2018, taking into account the interim payout was provided by the Government.