GTUC supports arbitration call to end teachers’ salary impasse

…accuses Govt of “talking past” teachers

As the nationwide teachers’ strike continued into the fourth day since the official reopening of school, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has expressed support for the Guyana Teachers Union’s (GTU’s) call for arbitration, and has called on the wider society to support the teachers in their struggle for better wages.
On Wednesday, the GTUC said its concerns have grown that the two sides – the Education Ministry and the GTU –would remain steadfast in their respective positions. The GTUC has in fact said the almost three-year impasse between the two sides “requires admittance”, noting that the stalemate does not spell well for the industrial relations environment and teachers’ morale.
“The nation is witnessing Government talking past the teachers and not with the teachers. This lends to the impression that the profession is not worthy of respect, perhaps seen as a lower rank in the order of things… Let us show mutual respect. Instead, teachers are hearing about Government’s positions through the media, as

though direct communication is no longer seen as necessary or important,” the GTUC pointed out, even as it deemed this a disturbing development for labour relations.
The GTUC is at the same time calling for more dialogue with Government ministers, some of whom, the GTUC has said, seem to have “no desire for consultation or communication” with established organisations that have constitutional roles. GTUC observed, too, that Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution protects the right to strike and freedom of association.
The union pointed out that teachers are not a homogenous group, and they should not be reduced to being lumped into political camps, which is not in keeping with social cohesion.
GTUC said it is satisfied that the teachers’ struggle is in tandem with the forerunners of the GTU and the Trade Union Movement, which earlier shaped much of the freedoms and benefits we enjoy today.
“GTUC is conscious that the stubbornness on the Government’s part not to engage the union affects students as well as their parents/guardians, and has the potential to disrupt other services in society…the education system also plays a custodial role for our children, and many families are able to engage in meaningful employment as their children attend school,” the union said.
GTUC said, too, that it is disappointed in Government’s earlier attempt to resolve the impasse by first ordering the teachers back to the negotiation table. The union said that, from all observations, Government does not appear willing to negotiate in good faith.
“Even before the strike was started, Government telegraphed its value and respect for teachers by declaring its intent to employ scab labour. The use of this is an attempt to weaken the strike while ignoring the option of negotiating in good faith. The Minister of Education said this form of labour is being offered the benefit of $1000 to top up their cellphones, a consideration that was never given the teachers,” the union said.
In an interview with Guyana Times in August, a former Education Minister under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, Dr Henry Jeffrey, supported the call for arbitration. The teachers’ strike commenced on August 27 during preparation period for the new school term.