The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) have successfully concluded negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive agreement on salary and non-salary benefits for teachers covering the period 2024 to 2026. This milestone follows months of discussions between the two sides, aimed at enhancing the welfare of educators across the country.
On Friday, August 9, 2024, the General Council of the GTU, by a majority vote, instructed the union’s executives to accept the package offered by the MoE. According to Rule 13 of the Guyana Teachers’ Union Constitution, this decision is binding.
The agreed-upon package includes significant salary increases as well as a variety of non-salary benefits. Among these are allowances, duty-free concessions, housing provisions, a revolving fund, scholarships, a clothing allowance, health coverage, and specific incentives for teachers working in hinterland and riverain areas. Additionally, the agreement opens up new positions on the salary scale and introduces reemployment incentives, all designed to support teachers in both their professional and personal lives.
The GTU expressed gratitude to its members for their resilience, support, and commitment throughout the negotiation process. “The General Council’s decision reflects the members’ wishes, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the needs of our members,” stated the union. The GTU also assured its members and the public that it would continue to engage with the employer to secure further benefits.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand commended both parties for the constructive manner in which the negotiations were conducted. “Congratulations to the Guyana Teachers’ Union and the Government of Guyana, represented by the Ministry of Education, for sensibly and civilly reaching an agreement that covers the period 2024 to 2026 regarding benefits for teachers,” Minister Manickchand stated.
