While the agreement inked between the government and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) will see an accumulative 27 percent increase in salary for the period 2024 to 2026, the pact has a built-in mechanism to go beyond the agreed upon hike, if the need arises.
According to President Dr Irfaan Ali, if at any time the government announces a higher increase for public servants, teachers will get the difference between the increase they initially agreed to, and the higher increase given.
He noted that the long awaited agreement between the Education Ministry and the GTU on Wednesday, will see significant finances, and resources being made available to teachers.
The Head of State commended the two bodies for taking the step towards ending the impasse.
During a virtual broadcast, Dr Ali reemphasized his government’s commitment to ensure the nation’s education sector is modernized and transformed, reaching a status that is second to none.
Teachers will receive a 10 percent increase, along with an 8 percent in 2025 and nice percent in 2026.
Further, teachers holding a doctoral degree will now receive an increase of $32,000 monthly. Those with a master’s degree will get $22,000 monthly, while holders of postgraduate diplomas will get $7,000 monthly.
The new agreement also sees an increase in the number of concessions that will be granted to teachers by 50 per cent, in addition to the policy that all teachers who hold a substantive appointment as a senior master, mistress or above within three years of retirement and have not received a previous duty-free concession are entitled.
These professionals can acquire a motor vehicle up to 1500 cubic centimetres (CC). In the case of teachers in the hinterland and riverine villages, they can choose to purchase outboard engines and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). These are only some of the benefits.
