Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey deemed this action by the union as being irresponsible.

The strike called by the GTU entered it 24th day yesterday with still no indication from the union as to whether it would bring it to an end.

The most recent act of intransigence was by the union in respect of the Advisory Committee set up by the Minister of Labour. The Minister informed the parties that Cabinet had agreed to make a further sum available to bring the minimum wage of those unqualified categories of teachers on par with the Public Service minimum wage. The sum proposed was in the range of $40M-$60M. In addition, and having regard to the proposal by the Minister, the Guyana Teachers’ Union should have signed the Terms of Resumption and return to the bargaining table with the Ministry of Education to discuss its 2002-2004 Salary Proposal, while during discussions for 2003, some arrangement should be made to bring mutual closure to 2002,” the minister explained.

He pointed out that the GTU is asking for a formal letter to be sent before it responds to the new proposals. However, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hydar Ally the letter was sent by the Chief Labour Officer yesterday sometime around 13:30 hours.

Dr. Jeffrey charged that this attitude by the union “speaks to a degree of maturity unbecoming of a responsible union” adding that the GTU is not serious with the issue “which is of vital importance to the nation’s children. He also reported that efforts by the Minister of Labour to get in contact with officials of the union proved futile.

Dr.Jeffrey made it categorically clear that the Ministry of Education will not negotiate with the union “under duress” in keeping with the norms of industrial relations, and would only resume negotiations when the strike action is ended by the GTU.

“Having been apprised of the proposals by the Labour Ministry, the union was expected to indicate its position on the matter. To date, the union has failed to do so which seems to suggest that the union is in no haste to bring this matter to a conclusion,” Dr. Jeffrey charged.

He acknowledged that salaries of teachers are low but explained that this is not because of the will of any one person, instead it is because of the resources that are available in the country.

He disclosed that from the monitoring of the strike done by his Ministry it is estimated that 65% of schools are functioning.

Head of the Georgetown Education Department, Joseph Gilgeous disclosed that 32 schools are working while five have been closed. Sixteen of those working are providing tuition to the Level 2 students and five other classes, while at six schools teachers are present but students are not in attendance.

As regards the non-attendance by students the minister speculated that it could be as a result of the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the strike situation.

Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar said one of the greatest concerns in the present situation was in relation to the completion of School Based Assessment for the CXC examination. However, he disclosed that from reports he has had only two schools have been affected, but he added that teachers have given the assurance that they would be making efforts to complete them. There is concern also about the Level 2 national assessment which is diagnostic in nature and therefore, is of critical importance in determining the weaknesses and strengths of the students at that level.

As regards the charge that the non-deduction of union dues by the Ministry being a provocative act, Dr. Jeffrey dispelled this notion pointing out that this action was taken following consultation with the Attorney General who advised that the deduction was illegal.