The APNU+AFC administration will re-engage representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on Thursday following the presentation of a report from the High-level Committee on Public Education.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at the post-Cabinet press briefing in the capital today, told media operatives that the report was presented to Cabinet on July 31, by the Minister of Education Nicolette Henry.
The High-level Committee which consists of government officials and representatives of the GTU, was appointed to discuss proposals by the union for a multi-year agreement with the government in relation to salaries and conditions of service for government teachers.
The initial proposal presented by the GTU was for a 40 percent across the board increase for teachers for 2016; 45 percent increase for last year and 50 percent for this year and the following two years (2019-2020) for all categories of teachers.
It is still unclear whether the initial requests have been retained following previous engagements between the government and the Union, and the subsequent establishment of the committee.
Harmon noted that the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Education sector as it relates to terms and conditions of the teachers, were also discussed by the committee.
That COI was ordered by previous Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, back in 2015 upon the APNU + AFC ascension to office.
Minister Harmon said, following deliberations on the report, responses to the recommendations were prepared and directive given for the union to be re-engaged.
The meeting between the government and the GTU is slated for Thursday, August 9 when government’s responses will be presented.
