In its fourth week of protest, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is threatening countrywide strike action if the administration does not address burning issues pertaining to teacher’s promotion.

Members of the Union on Wednesday protested outside the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) office, calling for the issue to be dealt with as soon as possible.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald said the TSC has continued to ignore its appeals regarding the non- promotion of senior teachers since last year. The Commission had stated it would not be engaging in any negotiations in relation to this matter with the Union.

McDonald stated that this move by the Commission was affecting and frustrating teachers across the country. She added that during this time, teachers usually look forward to filling up application forms in anticipation of a promotion, which could not happen because there was a matter in court.

“There will be no vacancy notices going out, so teachers will not be able to fill out application form,” McDonald said, adding, “so we feel that this is the time we have to intensify our picketing action until the Government decides to say something to us, to either remove the Commission or get the Commission to straighten up.” [Rabindra Rooplall]