Latest update February 1st, 2025 5:52 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Teachers’ salary negations…Task Force misses December 20 deadline, looking for extension

Dec 25, 2017 News

Teachers from all indications will have to continue to wait for a new remuneration package, since according to reports reaching this publication, not only has the Task Force appointed to negotiate the way forward failed to complete its discussion, but it is currently seeking an extension to continue.
The Task Force, which was brought into being based on a directive of President David Granger to appease concerns of the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] about a lax negotiation process, was mandated to complete the negotiation process on December 20 last.
Information reaching this publication suggests that the work of the Task Force could be stalled until approval is granted by President Granger to extend the life of the body. Reports suggest that the Genevieve Whyte-Nedd-headed Task Force has thus far been able to complete and agree on the non-salary aspect of a proposal presented by the GTU.
Discussions have since commenced on the salaried aspect but, according to reports reaching this publication, the inability of the Task Force to complete the process at the stipulated deadline has resulted in the process essentially being stalled.
What is interesting about this dilemma is that this is the exact state of affairs that evoked the concerns of the public school teachers, and by extension their union [the GTU], which had proposed strike action.
It was following several missed negotiation dates and what has been described by some stakeholders as outright disrespect for the negotiation process, that the GTU decided to agitate its 6,000-odd membership to strike.
Strike action was in fact slated for November 2 and 3, last, but was cancelled after fruitful discussions between the Head of State and union executives a few days earlier.
The Union in its threat to engage strike action had indicated that it would only abandon a move in this direction if a swift and meaningful response was forthcoming from the relevant authorities. To avert the strike action, President Granger had mandated the institution of the Task Force.
This publication has not been able to ascertain whether the union has contemplated taking any action, since it is yet to see the work of the Task Force helping to fast-track the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding for a new remuneration package for its membership.
In its proposal, the union has asked for, among other things, a 40 percent across the board increase for teachers for last year; 45 percent increase for this year and 50 percent for the following three years (2018-2020) for all categories of teachers.
Based on information this publication had received, the outcome of the Task Force’s deliberation will have to gain the attention and approval of Cabinet before it becomes payable to teachers.
In the interim, Government had announced that teachers, like other public servants, would benefit from six to eight percent increases retroactive to January 1, 2017.
In addition to Whyte-Nedd, the members of the Task Force are: Mr. Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education; Ms. Adele Clarke, Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of Education; Ms. Jacqueline Simon, Human Resource Manager, Ministry of Education; Ms. Kelly-Ann Hercules, Legal Officer, Ministry of Education; Mr. Frederick Mc Wilfred, Political Advisor, Ministry of the Presidency ; Ms. Gail Williams, Senior Personnel Officer, Ministry of the Presidency Department of Public Service; Dr. Hector Butts, Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Emil Mc Garrell, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities; Mr. Mark Lyte, GTU President; Ms Coretta Mc Donald A.A., GTU General Secretary; Ms Samantha Alleyne, GTU Treasurer and Mr. Lancelot Baptiste A.A., GTU Administrative Secretary.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 27th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Anderson ton, Looknauth’s 9 seals dominant 10-wicket win for Harpy Eagles

Anderson ton, Looknauth’s 9 seals dominant 10-wicket win for Harpy...

Feb 01, 2025

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 1… Kaieteur Sports-A resilient century from middle-order Kevlon Anderson coupled with 9 wickets from off-spinner Richie Looknauth saw the Guyana Harpy...
Read More
Romaine Brackenridge joins Slingerz FC from Harbour View FC

Romaine Brackenridge joins Slingerz FC from...

Feb 01, 2025

Mashramani Street Football Championship kicks off tonight in Mocha

Mashramani Street Football Championship kicks off...

Feb 01, 2025

Savory falls for 99, joins the heartbreaking ‘99 Club’ in West Indies Championship

Savory falls for 99, joins the heartbreaking...

Feb 01, 2025

Martin Massiah elected president of Fruta Conquerors Football Club

Martin Massiah elected president of Fruta...

Feb 01, 2025

CANOC Executive Committee members visits President Irfaan Ali

CANOC Executive Committee members visits...

Feb 01, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]