Scores of teachers and students return to the classrooms after almost one month, as the GTU and the Ministry of Education came to a resumption agreement. This follows the court-mandated mediation, after which this body met twice before reaching an agreement.
The resumption agreement stipulated that educators would return to work no later than Wednesday 6th March 2024. Their resumption will be followed by official talks on financial matters and other relevant issues at the Ministry of Education. The Guyana Teachers’ Union’s attorney assured that the signed agreement makes adequate provision for salary issues to be addressed.
The nationwide industrial action called by the GTU on the 5th of February 2024 came as a result of several unresolved challenges faced by the nation’s educators. The initial strike was intended to be for 10 working days. However, due to the Ministry of Education and the Government’s failure to engage the GTU and address the teachers’ issues the strike continued for a whopping four (4) weeks.
Teachers across the country, hailing from all eleven (11) education districts, picketed in front of the department of Education in their various regions. Through chants and songs these teachers made their plight for better working conditions and livable wages heard.
The striking educators were joined by parents and pupils from their respective schools as they stood in support of the teachers’ cause. They were also joined by union representatives from several local unions, and regional and international unions expressed their support for the GTU.
Today, following what many have described as a period of instability in Guyana’s education system, peace has returned, and educators have made their mark by fighting relentlessly without backing down.