More than a year after the Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for the Ministry of Education to stop the automatic deduction of union dues for the Guyana Teachers’ Union, those dues are still not being deducted and remitted to the Union.

In a statement today, the Guyana Teachers’ Union expressed deep concern over the “refusal” by the Ministry of Education and the Government to reinstate the automatic deduction of union dues.

“This matter has been conclusively addressed in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal of Guyana with rulings clearly in favour of the GTU. Despite this, the Ministry of Education has failed to comply with the court’s decisions,” the Union said.

The Government halted the automatic deduction of union dues from the salaries of teachers after the Union led a nationwide strike for salary increases and other benefits for teachers. The government had contended that the strike was illegal.

But in April 2024, Justice, Sandil Kissoon ruled that the teachers’ strike was “just” and “fair” and the salaries of teachers should not be withheld. He also found that the decision to stop the deduction of union dues from the salaries’ of teachers on behalf of their union was “discriminatory,” “unilateral” and “unconstitutional.”

GTU said the Attorney General, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Regional Executive Officers and all other relevant authorities have been provided with the official copies of the courts’ ruling. However, to date, no action has been taken to correct the situation.

The Union said it also formally wrote the Chief Education Officer and the Permanent Secretary to urge immediate compliance, but to no avail. The Ministry of Labour has been notified of the issue.

“The union sees this continued inaction as a blatant disregard for the authority of two of the highest Courts in the country. It also reflects a serious level of disrespect toward the legal system of Guyana and the rule of law,” the GTU said.

The GTU is calling on the Government and the Ministry of Education to act immediately and reinstate the automatic deductions, in full compliance with the Courts’ rulings. It said it remains committed to defending the rights of its members and upholding justice within the education sector. 

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High Court rules against Government’s plan to cut teachers’ salaries over strike action; Declares decision to stop deduction of union dues unlawful GTU files Court action to block Government’s plan to cut salaries of striking teachers Government decides to stop deducting union fees from teachers’ salaries for GTU with immediate effect GTU and Education Ministry to meet today on salaries for teachers as strike looms