…grateful for massive salary increases, benefits

THE salary increases for teachers recently announced by the government have instilled a renewed sense of motivation among educators across the country, with some expressing profound gratitude.
The increase, which comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to improve the livelihood of educators, has been widely lauded as a step in the right direction, underscoring the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in the nation.
For many teachers, the salary hike is more than just an increase in their monthly pay; it represents a recognition of their hard work, dedication, and the critical role they play in shaping the future of the country. The increases, which are set at 10 per cent for 2024, eight per cent for 2025, and nine per cent for 2026, has been welcomed by teachers from across the country.

There percentages will be adjusted if a higher percentage is offered to public servants.
“The 10 per cent increase for 2024 is justifiable, based on the other benefits teachers would be receiving. I know that the teachers will benefit tremendously,” said Roulette, a retired teacher.
Teacher Rufina Allicock commended the government for the timely salary increases, urging teachers to accept it “with grace and an open heart”. “I [am] doing so; I’m happy for it.”

“I am very grateful for this initiative. Thank you to President Irfaan Ali and Priya Manickchand, Minister of Education. This incentive is one we should take with grace and with an open heart and open mind. This is an excellent initiative by our government,” said Allicock.
She expressed optimism about future salary increases, and noted that the pay hike will enable teachers to better serve the nation’s children. “The station allowance will motivate teachers to serve in the hinterland.” As a result, she advised the teachers to set financial priorities.
Vanburn Browne, another teacher, stated that the pay raises are “reasonable”, referencing that there are other perks for teachers, going forward, such as classroom grants.

“We can’t ask for more; it’s a wonderful idea. And it’s not just the increases; we are getting other benefits. When you look at the housing area, we are getting benefits. In terms of grants for classrooms, teachers are benefitting. I firmly believe that the Ministry of Education is making every effort to improve the lives of teachers; we are in a better state,” the appreciative public servant said, adding:

“As a graduate head of department, I will benefit. And it’s not just waiting on promotion to get a raise in salary. Based on my understanding, teachers will be given more, based on the number of years they have served. We are privileged people; we mould the nation. We are moving forward.”
According to Browne, the ministry understands that teachers are under pressure, thus starting with the upcoming school term, they will have fewer hours of instruction.
Another teacher, Victor Lewis stated that the salary increases are at a fair percentage.

“It will benefit both the teachers and students. Techers will get the raise in salary and the students will return to school as per normal [so there] will be no loss of learning.
Last week, the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) signed a multi-year agreement which will see massive increases in benefits and concessions for teachers and an advanced welfare package. The agreement will cover the years 2024, 2025 and 2026.
All non-graduate teachers, irrespective of their status, will be paid two additional increments on their salary, after three years of continuous service. These benefits will be enjoyed by over 9,000 teachers. This means that they will enjoy as much as a 15 per cent increase in some cases.
Also, in the agreement are increases in allowances for teachers holding various qualifications.

Holders of doctoral degrees would receive $32,000 monthly, while holders of master degrees would receive $22,000 monthly.  Holders of post-graduate diplomas will receive $7,000 monthly, while holders of certificates in education and certificates in education management will both receive $5,000 monthly. The new agreement makes provisions for station allowance and hardlying allowance to be each increased to $5,000 for all categories of teachers who are entitled to these benefits. For the first time, teachers will be paid for the marking and supervision of School Based Assessments (SBAs) and the supervision of the National Grades Five and Six Mock Examinations. There has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of duty-free concessions being granted annually to teachers, from 100 to 150 concessions. Hinterland and riverine teachers are eligible for concessions for outboard engines and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The new agreement provides for an increase from $8,000 to $15,000 for clothing allowance as well as a remote area incentive of $23,000 per month, up from $9,000. According to the pact, teachers or teacher/educators rehired after retirement will be paid at their last salary scale before retirement.

There has also been a 100 per cent increase in scholarships that will be given to teachers annually outside of the fact that teachers are on the receiving end of scholarships under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme and in some cases the University of Guyana (UG).
The GTU and the Ministry of Labour started conciliation talks in May in response to nationwide teachers’ strike earlier this year.  The union was seeking a multi-year deal for the suggested period of 2019 to 2023, but the talks had reached a standstill as the Education Ministry insisted that the agreement should begin from 2024 and onwards. The government and the GTU subsequently agreed in June for teachers to resume work and for negotiations to continue on determining a multi-year agreement. Several proposals were made during the timeframe to offer better wages and salaries and welfare package to teachers across the country by the government.