Several meetings have already been held since last month’s signing of the terms of resumption brokered by the Ministry of Labour following the strike by the union. The terms of resumption set a one-month timeframe for the parties to conclude negotiations from the time of the signing.

This means an agreement has to be reached in another two weeks, an official of the Ministry of Education said.

The Education Ministry and the GTU signed an agreement on Monday, May 19, on the terms of resumption, breaking the deadlock of the month-long strike called by the union and paving the way for a return to work by teachers.

Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth, said the discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, observing that one of the “sticky” issues which delayed the conclusion of the terms of resumption was the issue of salary proposals for 2002-2004. However, this was amicably resolved through the arrival of a suitable formula by the two sides.

The other contentious matter was resolved was the payment of vacation allowance for last year. Chief Labour Officer, Mohamed Akeel, explained that there was some mix-up with the amount of money needed to make the payments. Agreement was reached for the Ministry of Education to make new applications to the Treasury to have the required funds.