Early this morning, teachers took to the streets to reaffirm their call for better wages on Day One of the nationwide strike. It is clear that these educators are determined to make their views heard through the singing of songs like “we shall overcome” and the resounding chants like “working teachers like donkeys and getting paid like junkie.”
At the 21 Brickdam branch of the Ministry of Education, the General Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union Ms. Coretta Mc Donald, Mr. Mark Lyte President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union alongside scores of educators from across Georgetown were present at the demonstration.
In an interview with members of the media, Ms. McDonald expressed that this action was the last resort as the Government refused to have “talks” with the Guyana Teacher’s Union, which as she posited is the only organization with the authority to speak on behalf of the nation’s teachers. McDonald contended that the GTU has pleaded with the current administration to have a formal conversation with the GTU from 2020 to the present.
When questioned about the likelihood of disciplinary measures being taken against the demonstrating teachers, she assured the teachers participating in the strike action that members of the public have pledged to reimburse them if monies are deducted from their salaries. The GTU General Secretary stated that such an action from the Ministry of Education will “instill even more radicalism in our teachers”.
Details are still emerging as the strike progresses throughout the day.