In an address to the Nation on February 29, 2023, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey C. Norton applied pressure on the PPP Government to respect the rights of teachers. He stated that “… it is regrettable that the current regime has allowed this impasse to endure for so long, despite the availability of the oil revenues.” He emphasized that there are monies available to pay teachers and all public servants.
The ongoing teachers’ strike in Guyana, now persisting for 23 days, has brought to the forefront the longstanding struggles of workers and the historical importance of unions in advocating for their rights. The plight of teachers in the ongoing strike bears striking similarities to the struggles faced by workers in the historical context of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s activism. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s efforts in the early 20th century to organize workers in Guyana were driven by the harsh realities of colonial exploitation and the dire working conditions experienced by laborers across various industries. Critchlow lost his job for his activism, just as teachers are being threatened with wage deduction and dismissal. The PPP response to the strike exposes their anti-working-class policies. They are applying the same tactics used by colonialists against Guyanese workers.
Norton warned the PPP that they “… should note that by their actions they are creating the conditions for all public servants to consider whether they too should come out on the picket line, because as the cost-of-living skyrockets wages have not kept up.” He promised to prioritize the interest of teachers and public servants when the APNU/AFC government returns to power in 2025. He states that APNU-AFC government will ensure “… the benefits of our nation’s resources meet the needs of all our public servants and of all Guyanese, rather than accruing solely to the elite, families, friend and favorites, of the chosen few.” He reiterated that the oil revenue which rightfully belong to the people of Guyana will be utilized by the APNU-AFC government to uplift all segments of society, thereby fostering a more just and prosperous nation for generations to come.
Since Mr. Norton’s address to the Nation, the courts have ordered mediation between the government and teachers.