The teachers' strike has been temporarily called off and all schools will be open from tomorrow.
This development comes even as the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) continue to present their cases before the advisory committee which is inquiring into the dispute between the parties.
According to GTU Administrator Lancelot Baptiste, the decision to have teachers return to work from tomorrow was taken because of the closure of the school term on Friday and that they ought not to continue the strike into their vacation. Teachers went on strike last month and schools in Regions Four and Ten have been particularly hard-hit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Ministry and Union met yesterday with the advisory committee, headed by Dr Martin Boodhoo, in the Ministry of Labour's boardroom.
Stabroek News however understands that the two sides are yet to come to an agreement but according to one representative the continued discussions are a positive indicator.
The Education Ministry is being represented by a team which is headed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Hydar Ally and includes Elsie Nedd, Beverly Munroe and Albert Sukdeo. The union is being represented by GTU President Sydney Murdock, General Secretary Avril Crawford, Baptiste, Philip Roberts and Roger Small.
The dispute stems from increases in 2002 salaries. Teachers last year received salary increases ranging from 15% for the lower categories to 5% for the higher categories. The union is demanding a 15% across the board increase and payment of other benefits. The government says no further increase will be paid on 2002.