~CUT condemns government’s refusal to comply with court rulings, warns of dangerous precedent for workers’ rights across the Caribbean.~
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua / REGIONALLY:--- The Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) has launched a regional and international campaign in solidarity with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), accusing the Government of Guyana of undermining workers’ rights and refusing to comply with rulings from the country’s High Court and Court of Appeal.
In a press statement signed by CUT President Sharon Kelsick, the regional organization condemned the government’s continued suspension of the “check-off” system through which union dues are deducted from teachers’ salaries and remitted to the GTU.
According to the CUT, the Government of Guyana unilaterally halted the deductions despite clear judicial rulings ordering that the process be reinstated.
The regional teachers’ body described the check-off system as a standard, legally recognized and long-established mechanism that supports workers’ fundamental right to freedom of association and union representation.
CUT argued that stopping the deduction and transfer of union dues represents an attempt to weaken the GTU’s financial stability, independence and ability to function effectively.
“Such actions represent a direct violation of international labor standards, fundamental human rights, and the principles of fair industrial relations,” the organization stated.
The CUT said both the High Court and Court of Appeal of Guyana ruled against the government’s suspension of the system and directed that the previous arrangement be restored. It warned that the executive’s continued failure to respect and implement those rulings threatens the rule of law and undermines democratic institutions.
The organization further warned that the situation could establish a dangerous precedent for industrial relations throughout the Caribbean.
As part of its campaign, CUT is calling on its member organizations, trade union affiliates, civil society partners and international labor allies to rally behind the GTU and Guyanese educators.
The union urged partners throughout the Caribbean and internationally to raise public awareness by highlighting the alleged violation of workers’ rights and the government’s noncompliance with judicial rulings across local, regional and international media platforms.
CUT also called for formal messages and public statements of solidarity with the Guyana Teachers’ Union, and demanded full compliance with the court’s directives.
“We urgently call on the Government of Guyana to act responsibly, honor the rule of law, respect the decisions of its own judiciary, and immediately reinstate the check-off dues process,” the organization stated.
CUT stressed that respect for workers’ rights and the judiciary is non-negotiable in any democratic society.
The Caribbean Union of Teachers, founded in 1935, reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights, dignity and autonomy of teachers and trade unions throughout the region.