Signing of the Multi-Year Agreement for 2024-2025 between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Public Service Union

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana government Tuesday said it has signed a two-year agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) that will result in significant salary increases and improved allowances for public servants.

The agreement’s announcement comes hours after President Irfaan Ali announced a 10 percent retroactive salary increase for all public servants and that people with academic qualifications would also benefit financially as of January next year.

Key Points of the Agreement

Ali, speaking at a breakfast with officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), said that public servants will also receive an eight percent increase in salaries in 2025 and that these new wage packages follow talks with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

A government statement said that under the agreement, public servants will receive the retroactive 1 percent salary increase effective January 1, 2024. This adjustment builds on the Government’s consistent efforts over the years, resulting in a cumulative 35 percent salary increase over the past four years.

Additionally, public servants will receive a further eight percent salary increase in 2025, raising the cumulative increase to an even higher threshold and demonstrating the Government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the financial well-being of public servants.

Salary Increases and Allowances

The Government also announced that earlier on Tuesday, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) signed a three-year agreement providing for 10 percent salary increases in 2024, eight percent next year, and nine percent in 2025 and 2026.

Public servants in Grades 1 to 6 with a minimum of four years of service will be moved to the midpoint of their current scale, resulting in salary increases of up to 13 percent for some employees. Those with a minimum of eight years of service within Grades 1 to 6 will be moved to the maximum of their scale, leading to salary increases of up to 26 percent.

Additionally, public servants in Grades 7 to 8 with at least four years of service in their current scale will be eligible for an additional monthly amount equivalent to the nominal difference between the minimum and midpoint of Grade 6, providing increases of up to 11 percent.

Qualification Allowances

The Government is also introducing qualification allowances to incentivize education and professional development, effective January 1, 2025. Holders of ACCA qualifications will receive an additional GUY$15,000 (One Guyana dollar = 0.004 cents) monthly, while individuals with master’s and doctoral degrees will receive GUY$22,000 and GUY$32,000 monthly, respectively.

Other Benefits

To further improve working conditions and support public servants, several additional measures have been approved. Uniform allowances for eligible health workers will increase by 5,000 annually, and public servants will see a $10,000 increase, resulting in an overall increase of up to 77 percent.

Public servants transferred to hinterland locations will receive a housing allowance of GUY$35,000 monthly, and those serving in riverine and hinterland areas will benefit from a station allowance of GUY$8,000 monthly, representing an increase of up to 300 percent.

Risk allowances will increase by 50 percent, while motorcar and travel allowances will see a significant 104 percent increase. Furthermore, the Government will grant 100 duty-free concessions annually for staff nurses and above, prioritizing long-serving personnel who have not previously benefited from such concessions.

Conclusion

The signing of this agreement is a significant step forward in enhancing the financial well-being of public servants in Guyana. The Government’s commitment to education and professional development is also commendable, as is the introduction of qualification allowances to incentivize further education and training.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the Multi-Year Agreement?
The agreement aims to increase salaries and improve allowances for public servants in Guyana.
* What are the key points of the agreement?
The agreement includes a 10 percent retroactive salary increase, an eight percent increase in 2025, and improved allowances for public servants.
* What are the benefits of the agreement?
The agreement will result in significant salary increases and improved allowances for public servants, as well as the introduction of qualification allowances to incentivize education and professional development.
* How will public servants benefit from the agreement?
Public servants will benefit from salary increases, improved allowances, and the introduction of qualification allowances to incentivize education and professional development.