Teachers to Resume Duties Next Week Following Successful Conciliation Efforts

The Ministry of Education has announced the resumption of duties by teachers across the country following successful conciliation efforts mediated by the Ministry of Labour.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, this resolution comes after the Educaction Ministry formally requested intervention on May 12, 2024, due to a breakdown in negotiations with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) over the new multi-year agreement.

The Ministry’s request for mediation was in accordance with the 1990 Memorandum of Agreement for “the avoidance and settlement of disputes” between the Government of Guyana and the GTU, as well as the Labour Act, Cap. 98:01, which allows the Labour Minister to facilitate conciliation in such disputes.

A pivotal meeting was held on June 13, 2024, at the Ministry of Labour, mediated by the Chief Labour Officer. Multiple meetings followed, addressing the GTU’s demand for a 20 percent across-the-board increase, which the Ministry had initially rejected as unreasonable.

The ongoing discussions led to an agreement, which includes the following terms:

1. The strike will end, and all teachers/educators will fully resume work within two working days.
2. No victimization will occur by either party.
3. There will be no loss of service for any teachers/educators.
4. Teachers/educators will return to their respective positions held before the strike.
5. There will be no transfers upon resumption.
6. The status quo will remain, subject to any ruling from ongoing legal proceedings between the parties.
7. Upon full resumption of work, conciliation will commence to determine whether the timeframe proposed by the GTU (2019-2023) or the Ministry of Education (2024 onwards) should form part of a new multi-year agreement.
8. Both parties will conduct discussions in accordance with the existing 1990 Memorandum of Agreement.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, expressed gratitude for the swift and effective response by the Ministry of Labour, particularly the Chief Labour Officer.

The Ministry of Education extends thanks to parents, students, and the public for their patience and understanding during this period. We anticipate a smooth transition as teachers resume their vital roles in educating and nurturing the future leaders of Guyana. Together, we will continue to build our country.