The General Secretary of Education International (EI) Mr. David Edwards expressed the unwavering support of the GTU on Friday. The EI is a global union federation which represents over thirty-two (32) million teachers and education workers in 178 countries.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education Ms. Priya Manickhand, the General Secretary highlighted the Government of Guyana’s reluctance to address the issues raised by the teachers. He stated that the organization has been “closely monitoring” the ongoing dispute between the GTU and the ministries of Education and Labour.
He justified the GTU’s decision to begin industrial action, highlighting that they have been trying to engage the Education Ministry for several years to bring a resolution to the issues faced by educators in Guyana. Further he stated that the EI “concurs” with the GTU because they were denied the opportunity to have negotiation talks with the relevant government agencies for three (3) years.
He underscored that despite the current administration’s “strong commitment” to developing Guyana’s Education system the quality of education will ultimately reflect the value placed on the teachers. He said that the level of professional assistance provided to teachers by their pay and working conditions determines the quality of education.
Finally, he called on the government to adhere to the 1967 International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Collective Bargaining Right by engaging in “meaningful and Constructive” negotiations with the GTU and expressed the Education International’s willingness to facilitate the negotiation process.