By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Teacher’s Union (GTU) has revealed its agreement with the Gambia Government after ending its Sit-down Strike on Monday, January 9th, 2023.
Below is the full statement by the Gambia Teacher’s Union (GTU) after Monday’s press conference;
“The union says In the wake of the nationwide sit-down strike sanctioned by the Gambia Teachers Union over unsettled demands from the Government of The Gambia, an Emergency meeting of the GTU, Ministry of Public Service and MoBSE was convened by the PS-MoBSE on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
“The purpose of the meeting was to holistically relook at the demands of the Union to arrive at a common ground to address the standoff.
“Further to that, another meeting was convened on January 9, 2023, to reach a sustained agreement on the conclusions of the earlier meeting. This was graced by honorable Ministers of MoBSE, Finance, and Public Service as well as the office of Accountant General. In attendance was PS, MoPS, PS, MoBSE, DPS, PMO, DPS, MoBSE, and Director Civil Service Reform. The Union was represented by the President GTU and Ag. General Secretary GTU.
“At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that:
“1. MoBSE to work on the re-classification of schools, including Senior Secondary Schools that are mature to be reclassified and ‘Board’ schools
“2. PMO agreed for auxiliary staff working at Regional Education Directorates and schools operating double shifts to be compensated for the additional hours/services they work for.
“A Taskforce has been established by MoBSE to work on the modalities.
“In addition to this, the MoBSE shall work on the initial 50% Salary Increment that was not applied to ancillary staff including Caretakers. GTU to provide the list of affected staff.
“3. PMO acknowledges the need to review the percentages of double shift allowances for non-teaching staff at Regional Education Directorates. MoBSE stated that work is currently in progress.
“4. On the matter of delinking of Percentage-based Allowances, in respect of the 30% salary increment, PMO has noted the observation of the GTU and commits itself to engage with the Ministry of Finance to regularize the case of affected staff. In lieu of re-linking percentage-based allowances graduate and retention allowance for teachers will be reviewed at an appropriate moment
“5. MoBSE has considered the need to pay Invigilation Allowance for GABECE and WASSCE. However, together with relevant stakeholders including the GTU, it will work out the modalities for such.
“6. PMO has agreed for MoBSE to review and re-submit the new hardship expansion scheme initiated by MoBSE for consideration.
“In addition to the above,
“7. PMO has agreed to open up to teachers in subvented schools to access the Civil Service Revolving Loan Scheme”.