Ministry of Education's position concerning the negotiations timeline between the Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

The Ministry of Education wishes to advise all teachers as follows:

The Guyana Teachers Union (the Union) and the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) signed a Memorandum of Agreement –The Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes since July 7, 1983.

In that Agreement is outlined the steps and stages for both the Union and the Ministry to adhere to in the event of a dispute. The three stages outlined are: General Questions (Settlement), Conciliation and Arbitration.

During the Conciliation stage which commenced on August 29, 2018, the Union opted to move the dispute to the process of Arbitration and the Ministry agreed.

In the July 1983 Agreement is found the following stipulation which MUST be complied with by both parties during the process:

“ (iv) During the consideration of the matter in dispute under the grievance procedure, there shall be no strike, stoppage of work whether of a partial or general nature, go slow, boycott, picketing, retardation of production or any other interference with the Ministry’s operations by the Union, nor shall there be any lock out or any other form of interference by the Ministry. Both parties shall endeavour to maintain a state of normal Industrial Relations.” (Highlighted for emphasis)

Teachers are therefore kindly advised to have due regard to the above legal stipulation and should note that any action which violates or is adverse to the above shall be illegal for which the Ministry will ensure that the appropriate consequences ensue.