Teachers’ union calls for withdrawal of ‘lunch break’ directive

The Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) is calling for Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson to withdraw or amend a memo directing that teachers supervise students at all times, including during their lunch periods.

According to the GTU President Mark Lyte, the requirement is in direct contravention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

In the memo, dated September 29, Hutson directed that students must be supervised at all times while at school, including during play and at lunch.

Head teachers were instructed