GTU Returns to Court Over Government’s Defiance of High Court Ruling
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has initiated legal proceedings once again, accusing the Ministry of Education of deliberately defying a High Court order regarding the automatic deduction of union dues.
Newly elected GTU President Ketta McDonald told Nightly News on July 16 that the union is preparing to file contempt of court proceedings against the Attorney General, the Minister of Finance, and the Finance Secretary.
“We are awaiting the court marshals to serve that on the Attorney General… our attorneys are currently preparing the contempt of court documents,” McDonald confirmed.
Court Ruling Ignored
On April 17, 2024, High Court Judge Sandel Kissoon ruled that the government must resume automatic deductions of union dues and remit them to the GTU. This decision followed the state’s discontinuation of a decades-old practice, which the court deemed unconstitutional.
While the government has since filed an appeal and requested a stay of the High Court order, the GTU insists that the move is prejudicial and undermines justice and due process.
Union Agreement Breached
McDonald also accused the ministry of breaching the terms of the 2024 GTU agreement, signed under the former president, Dr. Mark Lyte. These breaches reportedly include the failure to address issues related to teacher promotions and the criteria for senior appointments.
“Every delay in promotions denies teachers the opportunity to move up. Our teachers are aging in the system without recognition,” she said.
The union also pointed to the ministry’s repeated postponement or outright dismissal of meetings, calling it a pattern of disrespect and neglect.
No Comment from the Ministry
Efforts by Nightly News to contact the Minister of Education for a response on July 16 and again on July 18 were unsuccessful, with the minister declining to comment.
As tensions rise between the teachers’ union and the state, the GTU appears resolute in its fight for the rights and welfare of its members, vowing to pursue justice through the courts.
