He told the Chronicle that the GTU has written the ministry on the issue indicating a willingness to engage in discussions pertaining to salary increases for this year.

The ministry had earlier written the union informing that it was ready to begin salary negotiations.

GTU called on its members to strike two days a week with effect from last week, demanding the implementation of arbitration to resolve the dispute with the Education Ministry surrounding the issue of salary increases and working conditions for last year.

In a further move to press its demands, the union withdrew from the administration of this year's Annual National Athletics, Swimming and Cycling Championship resulting in its cancellation.

Education Minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey on Monday vehemently deplored the action by the GTU to withdraw from the administration of the championship for schools which was scheduled to get under way yesterday in Linden.

According to the minister a letter from the union was received Friday informing him of the decision to withdraw from the annual national event and it would not have been possible to make alternative arrangements for the event to proceed.

Meanwhile, checks at several schools in Georgetown yesterday showed an improvement in turnout by teachers with most schools approaching the normal numbers before the strike last week.

Reports from Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) indicated that many schools have returned to normalcy with most of the teachers back on the job.