Govt increases offer to teachers from 9% to 10% for 2024

One day after Government had proposed a 9 per cent across-the-board increase to teachers for 2024, it has now proposed a 10 per cent increase after the Guyana Teachers’ Union rejected the offer.
The initial offer was a seven per cent increase for 2024 and a 6 per cent increase for 2025 and 2026, but that was rejected. Then, a few days ago, as talks continued between the parties, Government proposed nine per cent increase for 2024 and eight per cent for 2025 and 2026, but this also was rejected.

Guyana Times understands that the GTU was informed on Friday that the Government is now offering 10 per cent for 2024 and respectively eight and nine per cent for 2025 and 2026. This has prompted the GTU General Council to meet on Friday to discuss the latest offer.
It has been stated that while some GTU members have agreed to take the 10 per cent increase being offered, some have been against it and have suggested that the GTU negotiate for a higher percentage.
In addition, GTU President Mark Lyte has reportedly asked the various branch representatives to discuss Government’s offer with their membership over the weekend.
If the GTU accepts this offer, the signing ceremony could be done as early as Monday.
“We are aware that what was agreed was not what was requested. However, our teachers deserve to be compensated in every avenue possible during these difficult times. I have also pushed for dues to be remitted to GTU on or before September, in keeping with (the) court ruling”, Lyte has said.
The GTU had proposed a 39.6 per cent increase for 2024 and 30 per cent increase for 2025 and 2026.
Bilateral talks between the Education Ministry and the GTU on the new 2024-2026 multi-year agreement commenced on July 11 after months of prolonged industrial action by teachers. Earlier in the month, the GTU conceded to the Government’s proposal that salary increases for teachers be determined under a new agreement from the current year onward.
The GTU has been pushing for a backdated collective bargaining agreement, but the Government, through the Education Ministry, has maintained that it is fully prepared to work on a multi-year agreement from 2024, and not 2019, as was being initially demanded by the GTU. The GTU subsequently recanted and agreed to negotiate from 2022 onwards, but that proposal was also rejected by the Government.
The GTU has also proposed a performance-based incentive of two per cent per annum, to be paid to eligible teachers during the period of the multi-year agreement, with effect from January 1, 2024.
This is in addition to an annual health/risk allowance of $25,000 and a monthly internet/mobile data allowance of $10,000 to be paid to all teachers.
Moreover, the GTU is seeking a termly school transportation grant of $150,000 in the case of those operating on the coastland and $300,000 for hinterland/riverine schools; or alternatively, a mode of transport (boat, ATV etc.) to offset the cost of teachers travelling to attend meetings, workshops, orientation sessions, or emergencies at school.