GAWU, GTU welcome announcement of bonus, increases for working class

– Teachers’ Union remains optimistic on agreed “sustainable package” for educators

President Dr Irfaan Ali has recently announced a one-off bonus of $25,000 to sugar workers, and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) believes that this is another positive step towards addressing the needs of the working class in Guyana.
“It clearly indicates the President’s and his Administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens. It is worth noting that President Ali has, on several occasions, emphasised the importance of ensuring that all Guyanese benefit equally from the country’s wealth. This latest move is a concrete demonstration of Irfaan Ali Government’s commitment to fulfilling that promise, and a testimony to being an ally of the workers,” the trade union stated in a missive to the media.
Further, the union stated that during the coalition regime, sugar workers were subjected to differential treatment, and were denied any pay rise or bonus. This unfair treatment, the union added, indicated that sugar workers were considered inferior and unworthy of the same benefits and improvements their colleagues in other state sectors received.
“That discrimination against the hard-working and dedicated sugar workers was a blatant disregard for their contributions to the industry and the economy. It is therefore commendable that the current administration has included them, marking a significant departure from past practices”, the GAWU has said.
Further, GAWU stated that the current Administration’s treatment of sugar workers, including the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate, is well received, and the workers are grateful for the return of dignity and respect.
“The one-off bonus is cause for celebration. The workers are optimistic that their pay will soon be addressed, and they look forward to continuing their work with enthusiasm and dedication”, GAWU has said.
The Guyana Teachers’ Union has also welcomed the announcement made by the Head of State, while adding that it will immediately benefit approximately 4,500 teachers, which is 37.5 per cent of the number of teachers nationwide.
“This is apart from the across-the-board bonus of $25,000 for all public servants and other categories of workers. The teaching fraternity has over 13,000 teachers, most of whom are below the status of SM/HoD. One thing that is noted from this announcement is that there are incentives for improved qualifications, inclusive of GOAL degrees,” the GTU has said.
“The Guyana Teachers’ Union is not averse to teachers receiving added financial benefits whenever it is offered, but still sees the need for collective bargaining so that teachers of all categories (senior or junior) benefit. The President, in his announcement, stated that another statement would be made regarding salary increases for teachers (at) some time; hence the union believes there is still time for engagement to address the percentage before the year ends.”
The Teachers Union added that teachers across Guyana, especially seniors, would be elated about duty-free becoming available for those with three years remaining.
“We have long advocated that all seniors be given a duty-free concession. Presently, there are over five hundred teachers that will be eligible this year. The Union welcomes this decision to award teachers within the status duty-free, but hopes that 2000cc will be the ceiling.”
In addition, the Union stated that teachers with added qualifications would certainly enjoy the allowances; however, it asked that these allowances be tax-free.
“Currently, allowances given are taxed after being added to the teacher’s gross salary. Hinterland teachers will also benefit from the increased RAI, which should cushion in some way the high cost of living these teachers endure there”, the GTU has said.
Further, GTU noted that the Government has been incrementally addressing proposed matters outlined in its submitted multi-year proposal.
“We believe that the collective bargaining process would have enabled us (Government and Union) to arrive at a consensus early, so that teachers would have had a clear understanding of their benefits.”
The Union remains patient and optimistic that the Government will agree to sit, discuss, and agree on a sustainable package for educators, who have been making Guyana proud at external examinations.
“Teachers have been putting in the hard yards over the years; hence, the compensation packages must reflect early on how each teacher will benefit over time. This would facilitate long-term plans for teachers’ families”, the GTU has said.