The Government of Grenada celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to create more equitable and supportive work environments, signing a collective agreement with the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) on salary increases and fringe benefits to the tune of 13% for the period 2023-2025.
Negotiations between the Government and the GUT began on January 17, 2023, and concluded on March 27, 2023, making the GUT the first of the bargaining units to sign with Government for this negotiating period.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, underscored the significance of the agreement for the nation’s teachers, who play a critical role in laying the foundation for the country’s growth and development.
Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, the Prime Minister thanked all teachers for their dedication and sacrifice and acknowledged the GUT for showing leadership within the industrial sector, encouraging other unions to follow their example.
Permanent Secretary (Ag) with responsibility for Public Administration and Deputy Chair of the Government Negotiating Team (GNT), Mrs. Lyndonna Hillaire Marshall, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all parties for the spirit of the negotiations, which she described as extremely cordial despite frank discussions.
In his remarks, Mr. Jude Bartholomew, President General of the GUT, said the negotiations were historic, noting that unions often had to resort to marching in the streets, and seeking mediation through the Labour Commissioner, among other challenges, to secure salary increases for workers.
“We are at a very good place at this time, where the Government of Grenada would have paid pensions, the docked salaries to teachers, the 23% for the T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), which had not been paid for a long period of time, and recognising the many different things that the government is doing for workers,” he shared.
Mr. Bartholomew also called on members of the GUT to step up productivity levels, considering the Government’s efforts, noting the responsibility of teachers to develop the nation’s youth.
The public is reminded that in 2020, the Prison Welfare Association, the Royal Grenada Police Force, and the Grenada Manual, Maritime and Intellectual Workers’ Union signed to receive 4% salary increase for the year 2023.
Negotiations with these and other public sector unions and staff associations are currently underway.
