GUYANA | Teachers' Union Chief Urges Holistic View of Salary Negotiations

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 19, 2024 - In a fervent appeal to the nation's educators, Dr. Mark Lyte, the resolute president of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU), called upon teachers to take a comprehensive view of the ongoing salary negotiations with the Ministry of Education.

Speaking with heartfelt conviction during a recent Facebook Live session, Dr. Lyte emphasized the importance of considering the entire compensation package, encompassing both salary increases and a myriad of allowances.

"My message to our esteemed members is clear: let us stand united and unwavering," Dr. Lyte declared, his voice resonating with determination. "We must not myopically fixate on percentages alone, but rather evaluate the full scope of what is being offered."

The seasoned union leader underscored that the potential benefits extend far beyond mere base salary bumps. He highlighted that incremental movements along the pay scale, coupled with the proposed percentage increases, would yield tangible gains for the country's hardworking educators.

Dr. Lyte proceeded to outline a cornucopia of non-salary perks that could sweeten the deal. These include a GY$500 stipend per child for each round of School Based Assessment marking, pay parity for 6th Form Deputy Principals with 'A' Grade School Headteachers, and fully covered round-trip airfare to the coast for hinterland-based teachers and their families.

Moreover, the Remote Areas Incentive (RAI) is poised for a GY$3,000 hike from GY$20,000 to GY$23,000. While the union's push for an increase in the GY$10,000 first-degree holder allowance did not gain traction, the government has put forth a GY$2,000 boost for Masters and Doctorate holders, along with a GY$1,000 to GY$2,000 bump for those with Certificates in Education and advanced certificates.

Dr. Lyte also highlighted the groundbreaking creation of a "Master Teacher" role, empowering exceptional educators to remain in the classroom while commanding salaries on par with Department Heads or Senior Masters. Retired teachers can also anticipate drawing pensions based on their concluding job title, mitigating the risk of diminished National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits.

The GTU chief acknowledged that while certain demands remained unfulfilled - such as the proposed GY$25,000 health check-up allowance - the government has pledged to join forces with the Ministry of Health to establish regional health booths for teacher evaluations and tests.

On the scholarship front, Dr. Lyte celebrated the unprecedented doubling of University of Guyana awards exclusively for teachers, now encompassing 70 undergraduate and 30 postgraduate spots. "This is a monumental achievement," he emphasized. "Never before have we secured such a diverse array of educational opportunities for our members."

As the intense negotiations continue, with the Ministry proposing staggered raises of 10%, 8%, and 9% over the next three years, Dr. Lyte called for patience and faith in the union's leadership. "Trust that we possess insights that may not be readily apparent," he implored. "As your elected representatives, we are unwaveringly committed to securing the most advantageous outcome for all educators, across every echelon of our noble profession."

Dr. Lyte also took a moment to denounce recent political attacks aimed at the union's General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, stating unequivocally, "We stand united in debunking these baseless accusations."

As the nation's teachers eagerly await the next round of negotiations, Dr. Lyte's impassioned plea for unity and perspective resonates as a clarion call. The coming weeks will reveal whether his heartfelt appeal will yield the breakthroughs Guyana's educators so ardently seek.