Guyana Teachers’ Union Reaches Agreement with Ministry of Education
The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education for a three-year salary increase that also includes several non-salary benefits for teachers.
Details of the Agreement
GTU President Dr. Mark Lyte and the second Vice President, Julian Cambridge, signed the agreement with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein- Outar and Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain.
According to Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, “Congratulations to the Guyana Teachers Union and the Government of Guyana represented by the Ministry of Education, for sensibly and civilly reaching an agreement that covers the period 2024 to 2026 about benefits for teachers.”
Salary Increases
Lyte stated that the salary increases are 10 per cent this year, eight per cent in 2025, and nine per cent the following year. He added that the percentages are the same that the General Council accepted, and the GTU could not have reneged on the previously accepted pay hikes and return to the employer to reopen talks on further increases.
Non-Salary Benefits
The agreement includes a range of non-salary enhancements such as allowances, duty-free concessions, housing, revolving fund, scholarships, clothing allowance, health coverage, hinterland and riverain benefits, opening up of new positions for teachers on the salary scale, and reemployment incentives among others.
The union said that these benefits aim to provide additional support for teachers not only in their professional growth but also in their personal and family lives.
Background
The GTU and the Ministry of Education have been in negotiations for several months. The union has been demanding a 39.5 per cent increase for this year and 30 per cent for the following two years. However, the government offered 10 per cent for this year, eight per cent in 2025, and nine per cent for 2026.
Earlier this year, thousands of teachers participated in a 75-day strike to demand collective bargaining for financial matters. The High Court later ruled in favour of the union, and the Guyana Court of Appeal is yet to hear government’s appeal.
Conclusion
The agreement between the GTU and the Ministry of Education is a significant step forward in resolving the teachers’ salary dispute. The non-salary benefits included in the agreement will provide additional support for teachers and help to improve their overall well-being.
FAQs
Q: What are the salary increases for teachers?
A: The salary increases are 10 per cent this year, eight per cent in 2025, and nine per cent the following year.
Q: What are the non-salary benefits included in the agreement?
A: The agreement includes allowances, duty-free concessions, housing, revolving fund, scholarships, clothing allowance, health coverage, hinterland and riverain benefits, opening up of new positions for teachers on the salary scale, and reemployment incentives among others.
Q: Why did the union go on strike?
A: The union went on strike to demand collective bargaining for financial matters, including a 39.5 per cent increase for this year and 30 per cent for the following two years.
Q: What is the current status of the negotiations?
A: The negotiations between the GTU and the Ministry of Education have been ongoing for several months, and the union has now reached an agreement with the government.