| It is the view of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) that 2014 was a year where workers from various sectors in Guyana continued to “catch hell.”General Secretary of GTUC, Lincoln LewisAnalysing the labour situation in Guyana, the GTUC noted that many are “unemployed, underemployed and the employed are made to feel they are being granted a favour by the employers and not appreciated as the most vital resource in the workplace.”The GTUC, who conducted a labour review of 2014, is of the belief that these failing conditions are a result of the government’s refusal to put systems in place to create the enabling environment where the worker is valued as the nation’s premium resource.“Our industrial climate is such where some Guyanese are denied every right under the Laws with the Government not only being a major player but also a protector of foreign businesses engaging in these malpractices.”“Patriotism and nationhood,” the GTUC said, “are thrown through the window as the nation continues to witness Trade Unionists, Politicians, Lawyers and Industrial Relations Consultants engage in an orgy of transgressing rights and violating laws in return for money.”The GTUC is of the firm belief that ruthlessness has wormed itself into professional sectors once held in high esteem, and the role of the Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul did not escape their focus.“The Minister of Labour, a former Trade Unionist, who would have struggled for better conditions and wages for workers, has today shamelessly strayed from these beliefs, and is now part of a political environment that disregards the value of workers.”“He functions with apparent ease and comfort under a government that disregards workers’ rights protected in ILO (International Labour Organisation) Core Labour Standards. The Minister now appears comfortable with these anti-working class policies that undervalue his legacy as a trade unionist.”According to the umbrella union body, last year the society continued to be plagued by poor governance, a hallmark of successive PPP administrations.Further, the trade union federation noted that the absence of a comprehensive Job Creation Policy, anchored in a National Development Plan that takes into consideration population growth and workplace development, continues to be a feature of the government.“Persons having completed studies are having difficulties securing gainful employment consistent with ILO Core Labour Standards, which the Government of Guyana has embraced,” the body said.The industrial relations climate continues to be troubling, GTUC expressed. “Collective Bargaining for some workers is treated with contempt by employers, with the major violator being the government.”The trade union federation divulged that for the twelfth year the government refuses to engage in good faith negotiations with unions in the Public Service.The GPSU, the largest union in the Public Service, also found itself undermined by contract workers.“Whilst the intent may have been to break the back of the union, workers are compromised, for even though they may receive higher wages, they lose benefits, safety and security of organised labour and place themselves at the mercies of an exploitative regime.”Focusing on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), GTUC said that for the fifth year workers are being denied the right to representation by the legally recognised union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU).“This violation,” the GTUC said, “is aided and abetted by the Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul, with his refusal to honour the government’s commitment to the court in July 2012 to reissue letters for the commencement of arbitration between the union and company.”It said that denial of bauxite workers is tantamount to affecting the communities of Region 10 which have largely been sustained by bauxite.In the case of BCGI, Mohamed Akeel, former Chief Labour Officer is its Industrial Relations Advisor and Carvil Duncan,Buffalo Sabres Gear, General Secretary of GLU,Air Max 98 Gundam Price, Chairman FITUG and PSC, is the Chairman of LEI Board of Directors.GTUC said “Duncan and Akeel, by their actions, continue to prove that they have assumed the role of riding shotgun for employers to trample workers and violate the laws. These men enjoy the favours of the PPP government and are rewarded for undermining workers’ rights.”At the Revenue Authority,Jose Calderon Jersey, GTUC said that the management refuses to engage the GPSU, a case that has been ongoing for years,Air Max 97 For Sale Cheap, in as much as the Trades Union Recognition & Certification Board pronounced in the union’s favour.“Another group of state workers, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, to date has not had the issue of their pension, gratuity and tenure of service determined.”Focusing on the controversial sugar industry, GTUC said that workers continue to be challenged by poor performance in the industry and price in the international markets.Nevertheless, the body noted that the sugar unions continue to make demands for improved wages and benefits. “These unions, traditionally hyperactive in militancy, are less militant than former years, causing widespread perception that workers’ rights are sacrificed on the altar of political allegiance.”Drawing focus to safety and occupational hazards, the trade union said it is concerned about the spate of industrial accidents.“The GTUC continues to be concerned about the absence of a core/specific department in the Ministry of Labour to address Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at the workplace. This matter was raised with the ministry at the merging of the Labour and the OSH departments.”“For instance, massive construction and sanitation works are being done and workers are put to perform duties without basic safety wear and the Ministry has failed to correct this unhealthy situation and risk to workers health and safety.”The environment of labour continues to see the existence of two trade union federations, namely, FITUG and GTUC, with the former enjoying support from the government.The GTUC said it continues to be denied an annual State grant from workers/taxpayers’ money,Ales Hemsky Jersey, which was taken away during the administration of former President Bharrat Jadgeo, a position maintained by the current president’s administration.On the other hand, it said, FITUG continues to receive significant assistance,Air Max 90 Black And White Mens, inclusive of their affiliation fees to the international bodies and expenses to conferences paid by the government.On February 27, last year an Opposition-piloted Motion was passed in the National Assembly paving way for the annual subvention to Critchlow Labour College to resume but the GTUC said “The Critchlow Labour College (CLC) continues to be denied workers/taxpayers’ money even as the government offers financial assistance to another institution that engages in trade union education.”Notwithstanding the challenges and setbacks the GTUC and CLC continue to shoulder their responsibility in holding government accountable, fighting for citizens/workers’ well-being, conducting trade union and workers’ education, empowering students, workers and union representatives to make a positive difference in society.“Most noteworthy being our training in Capacity Building that saw education in Governance and Youth Development and, the CLC’s 39th Convocation in December (2014) with 185 graduates.” |
