Gains from mediation process must be expanded on as talks set to begin

Mar 06, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

The outcome of the court ordered mediation has to be seen as a win-win for both parties. The government got its desired outcome of the process – getting teachers back into classrooms. The union is able to get the employer to the salaries bargaining table.

So when talks commence on Thursday which of the grievance procedures is being invoked? Wiping the slate clean and starting over, so it is negotiations, or moving to the next level of the grievance procedure ladder?

It is hoped talks can commence and continue in a spirit of mutual understanding, respect and an atmosphere of cordiality. It is noted some teachers are peeved with the union to agreeing to calling off the strike without first securing an increase in salary, the perceived core issue, for them, for industrial action.

This might be a misconception as it has to be reasoned was the strike called because of salary increases or lack thereof, or was is it to get the employer to discuss the burning issue of salary increases as proposed in the union’s multi-year proposal along with other incentives? I think it was the latter. The union president recognised employers cannot enter into negotiations for salary while employees are striking (Demerarawaves Mar 4).

We can only hope the gains from the mediation process, chief of which opening trust and communication channels, can be maintained and expanded on, to the greater good and benefit for all concerned.

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