As Day One of the nationwide strike action by Teachers progressed, scores were seen protesting in front of the Ministry of Education Linden Branch. These educators stood in solidarity with their colleagues across the nation as they echoed similar sentiments.
During the demonstration, they highlighted the projected salary adjustments to be received by other public servants like nurses and police officers and stated, “Police getting double pay, and what about we?” Members of the public and passersby were seen waving their hands and honking their horns in solidarity with the protesting teachers.
The Vice President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, in his address to the teachers of Region Ten stated that their “brothers and sisters” all across the country were supporting the cause in their respective regions. He further explained that their action is not a political one as protests were evident in the political “strongholds” of the government.
He further assured the teachers that their actions have everything to do with their livelihood and their “bread and butter issues” and that they would not stop their demonstrations until there is a signed agreement.
When concerned educators brought up the issue of demonstrations being called off in the hope of an agreement, the GTU vice president responded by saying that the GTU would learn from its past mistakes and that instructors will not return to the classrooms until a proper formal agreement is made between the GTU and the Government that will benefit all teachers.