General Secretary of Education International (EI), David Edwards has written to Guyana’s Education Minister, Priya Manickchand expressing concern over the lack of fruitful dialogue to resolve an ongoing teachers’ strike. He said that if the government does not acknowledge and or seek to address the issue, the matter will be brought before the United Nations Labour Organisation.
Teachers took to the streets more than 20 days ago demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike was organised by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).
“Despite the tireless efforts by the GTU to engage in dialogue regarding crucial matters such as salary increases and non-salary benefits for teachers, it is disheartening to note the absence of fruitful dialogue,” Edwards said.
The official said that in a previous letter to the minister, EI had noted the importance of a collaborative approach based on the provisions of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 to address the concerns of teachers and reach a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
However, he said that the lack of response or engagement from the government is “deeply concerning”.
He noted that given the urgency and seriousness of this matter, the organisation is left with no choice but to consider escalating the issue to the ILO level. The Guyana Teachers’ Union, as an affiliate of Education International (El), is entitled to the protections and rights outlined in the ILO Convention 98, which Guyana ratified in 1967.
The ILO, in its mission to promote social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, has consistently emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in settling disputes related to the determination of terms and conditions of employment.
“We urge the Government of Guyana to prioritize collective bargaining for public servants and to consider conciliation by an independent body if negotiations are unsuccessful,” Edwards said.
He implored Manickchand to take immediate action to acknowledge and address the concerns raised by the GTU, enter into meaningful negotiations guided by fairness and respect, and avoid the need for international scrutiny and intervention.
“Failing a positive and constructive response within a reasonable timeframe, EI may have no option but to bring this matter to the attention of the United Nations Labour Organization,” Edwards warned.
