The Court ordered mediation between the Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union is set to continue this morning, with the two sides possibly looking at the things that should be put in place for a resumption of work by striking teachers.

This week marks the fifth week since teachers across the country have been on strike, pushing for a restart of negotiations with the Government and an increase in their salaries.

Last Friday, during the first mediation session, the Guyana Teachers’ Union presented a proposal to pave the way for a resumption of duties. However, the Government needed some time to study the proposal and respond to it.

With the strike action prolonging, President Irfaan Ali on Sunday said there is a need for teachers to return to the classroom. In a video statement, while reflecting on improvements in the education sector, the President said the Government has been examining many of the demands of teachers over the past few years and has addressed some of those already.

However, he noted that the Government cannot be politically bullied, adding that there is a system in place to address the concerns of teachers and that process was ongoing process. He said they cannot return to negotiation under duress.

“A process was underway. A system was underway. And the authority that was vested with determining the actions of the teachers, that is, the Chief Labour officer, made it pellucidly clear that the actions advanced by the teachers were in breach of the procedure that was in place,” the President said.

The Government has been claiming that the strike by teachers is political, but the teachers and their union have rubbished that position, pointing out that teachers from every region are part of the ongoing strike.

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Both sides optimistic as Day 1 of Mediation between Government and GTU ends Judge proposes mediation to settle dispute between Government and striking teachers; AG asks for 24hrs to consider Jagdeo warns Headteachers against preventing teachers from returning to classrooms Some striking teachers return to school over threats to cut salaries; Nationwide strike continues