MOE and GTU second meeting on Wages Negotiations

(August 16th, 2018) – Today, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) met for further talks and negotiations with regards to the Teachers Multi-year agreement. The meeting was conducted in a professional and cordial manner at the Ministry’s 26 Brickdam Office. At today’s meeting a number of issues that were unresolved from the previous meeting were resolved and further clarity was given on matters which would enable complete resolution at soonest.

However, the Ministry communicated to the GTU that the ballpark figure of $700M for teachers salary increases and the previously proposed $200M for debunching for 2018 is still the offer the MoE is proposing. The GTU did not find favour with these offers and hence these sums were rejected by the union. Minister Henry explained that the offers proposed is what the government can afford at this time.

It is against this backdrop that the GTU indicated that the talks should go to arbitration. Minister of Education Hon. Nicolette Henry informed the union that there should be conciliation before arbitration as this is stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement which outlines the correct procedure for such engagements.

The GTU President Mr. Mark Lyte at this juncture indicated that he needs to consult with his members before agreeing to conciliation. However, Minister Henry communicated that the Ministry remains committed to further talks and urged the union to continue its deliberations with the MoE as both parties seek an amicable solution.

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