–among issues up for discussion between Education Ministry, GTU
THE Ministry of Education, on Thursday, met with representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) in the ministry’s boardroom to continue discussions on relevant matters of interest to both parties.

The Ministry of Education was represented by the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer- AHED, Marti DeSouza; Deputy Chief Education Officer- Admin, Tiffany Harvey; the Ministry’s Human Resource Manager, Jacqueline Simon, and Kerwin Jacobs, Senior Education Officer.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union was represented by GTU President, Dr. Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald; Mariska Williams; Julian Cambridge; Heathcliff Peters; Sumanta Alleyne; Collis Nicholson; Donnette D’Andrade; Rabindrauth Boodram and Colin Bynoe, along with three General Council members: Deoraj Nauth, Sergio Joseph, and Vanessa Kissoon.

During the meeting, the GTU and the Education Ministry identified 27 issues to be tabled for discussion. Following this, the two teams agreed on the order in which the matters will be addressed.
The first issue tabled for discussion was the establishment of a Terms of Reference for the meetings.

After deliberations, it was agreed that there will not be a signed Terms of Reference, however, both parties agreed that at the end of each meeting, two representatives of each negotiation team and two witnesses will sign the minutes.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 09:30 hrs in the ministry’s boardroom.

Some of the matters identified for discussion by the GTU are: The salary matters included in the multi-year proposal 2019-2023; the two per cent difference in salary for 2017 and 2018; the clothing allowance increase; and Whitley Council being paid every three years.

Some issues identified by the Ministry of Education for discussion are teacher absenteeism and punctuality, poor performing schools, continuous professional education, and completion of syllabus.

The Ministry of Education reiterates its commitment to continuing dialogue with the Guyana Teachers’ Union that have been ongoing and which have produced several noteworthy results that will benefit teachers, children, and the system as a whole. (Ministry of Education)