GTU-MoE multi-year deal: 14,786 teachers received over $2B in retroactive payout on Wednesday

In keeping with the 2024- 2026 multi-year agreement for teachers’ salaries and benefits, which was brokered between the Guyana Government and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) back in August, the Education Ministry has dispatched the sum of $2.5 billion in retroactive payments to teachers nationwide.
According to the MoE, some 14,786 teachers received the payout on Wednesday – Government’s designated payday for all public servants. The sum, covering payments for January to October 2024, is in keeping with the Guyana Government’s commitment to increase disposable incomes for the country’s educators.
Additionally, teachers can expect the 10 per cent salary increase agreed upon by GTU to be added to their payroll with effect from November 1, 2024.
On August 21, after months of negotiations, the Education Ministry and the GTU reached an agreement regarding salary increases and other benefits for educators over the next three years. Under the new agreement, teachers would see their salaries being raised by 27 per cent by 2026.
The 2024-2026 multi-year agreement mandates that teachers receive a 10 per cent increase for this year, 8 per cent for 2025, and 9 per cent for 2026.
Aside from the agreed salary increases, the agreement includes several non-salary benefits for teachers. The Remote Areas Incentive (RAI) has been moved from $9,000 in 2023 to $23,000, an increase of 156 per cent.
In addition, teachers who hold doctoral degrees would receive $32,000 monthly, while those who have a Master’s degree would receive $22,000 monthly, and holders of a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Education would now receive $7,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Further, scholarships would be increased by 100 per cent annually, which will see 70 educators securing free scholarships for Diplomas in Education and 30 securing Masters in Education through the University of Guyana (UG).
In addition, some 150 teachers drawn from across the ten administrative regions would soon be able to access duty-free concessions.
The provision covers vehicles with capacities of up to 1800cc, outboard engines of up to 75hp for persons in the riverine areas, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for eligible persons in the hinterland.
As a result, some 150 teachers would be able to import vehicles that meet the criteria without having to pay duty, thereby lowering the overall cost of the vehicle significantly.
This will take effect from January 2025, given that the deadline for submission for duty-free concession for 2024 concluded on February 29.
One day prior to the agreement being signed, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted that there is in the agreement also an adjustable clause which stipulates that if a higher percentage increase is announced for the general public service, teachers would also benefit from the difference.
On this point, the Head of State had underscored Government’s unwavering support for teachers’ welfare, noting that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration would continue to set aside resources for development projects.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said the Government’s 10 per cent across-the-board salary increase for teachers would rack up to about $12 billion over the next three years.
In addition, during one of his weekly press briefings, the Vice President had rebuked blatant attempts by the PNC-led Opposition to sabotage the deal inked between the two parties.
He has always maintained his position that GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald was politically motivated to thwart the negotiations.
Earlier this year, teachers across the country had gone on strike for more than 70 days, demanding salary increases and benefits for teachers. The strike ended on June 21 with the GTU and the Education Ministry agreeing to facilitate talks on the multiyear agreement. (G1)