The GAWU one-day conference entitled “Sugar – too big to fail” being held on September 04, 2018 at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara as it discussed the plight of the sugar workers who are now jobless also took account of the ongoing struggles of our nation’s teachers who are, at this time, seeking improved pay and working conditions. Several speakers, during their interventions, reflected on the strike action taken by the teachers at this time. Arising from those discussions, the Conference approved the following resolution in support of the teachers and their protest actions:-
Whereas the teachers are in the forefront of educating our nation and whereas the wages they receive cannot sustain them and their families;
Whereas this Conference on the future of the sugar industry in Guyana recognizes the need for the improvement in the benefits of our teachers, and
Be it resolved that this Conference calls upon the Government to consider meeting the just demands of the teachers in an effort at ending the strike or alternatively agree to take the dispute to arbitration.
Moving the resolution was FITUG’s President, Carvil Duncan and it was seconded by GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis and was fully endorsed by the Conference. The GAWU also wishes to express its full solidarity and support with our nation’s teachers who are more than justified in their demands. They, like all workers and Guyanese, are only seeking to live a comfortable and fulfilling life where they can afford the basic necessities.
GAWU will subsequently issue a fuller release on the Conference.
