Dear Editor,

ON Wednesday, 30th November, a delegation from the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) met Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, at Parliament Buildings.

This meeting was held at his request, and the GTUC responded in accordance with the Guyana Constitution, which stipulates the office he holds, and the roles and responsibilities of the trade union. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition (Article 110) falls within the Executive (Chapter IX) branch of government. The office holder, in addition to shadowing the Executive, is expected to play a role in proposing ideas and actions for the nation’s development, supporting the Executive when its actions are consistent with the nation and people’s good, and questioning and opposing when such conflict. Should these values be upheld, the nation and people stand to secure their wellbeing and advance their welfare under this supreme instrument.

The GTUC saw this meeting as discharging its responsibilities under Articles 23, 38, 147 and 149C of the Guyana Constitution. These articles require that trade unions ensure workers -– past present and potential — play meaningful roles in the nation’s development while at the same time secure their fundamental rights and freedoms.

The invitation by the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) was primarily to discuss and solicit from us names of persons as possible candidates to fill the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The GTUC took the opportunity to remind the LOP that our responsibility does not end in filling the post of GECOM, but includes that of ensuring the appointments of every constitutional commission and office. The non-appointment of these means elected leaders are violating the constitution by abrogating their responsibilities.

The GTUC held further discussions on matters pertaining to fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens (Title 1), with specific attention in this instance paid to Article 147. The issues of respect for Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining were raised. The protracted negotiation in the education sector and refusal of the management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to engage the recognised union formed part of the discussions.

The issue of labour as a constituent of national character not being given similar recognition as the employer/business community, consistent with the composition of the International Labour Organisation was raised. This composition recognises Government, employer and trade union as partners in the tripartite process in pursuing the economic, social, cultural and political development of society.

The GTUC’s position of Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship as president is public knowledge and is well known. Similarly is our position on accountable governance, irrespective of the political party or group in office, and crusade for respecting and advancing rights and the rule of law.

GTUC holds every administration accountable, including sitting and former governments and opposition parties, for respecting the role of stakeholders in society, the inalienable rights of citizens, and prudent management of the nation’s resources under the law. These remain our permanent interests in pursuit of a just society.

With the aforementioned being said, it would be remiss not to note the shrewd politics the Opposition is playing. While the GTUC still awaits a date with the APNU+AFC Administration for engagement across the table as a stakeholder in society with specific constitutional responsibilities, the Opposition is having engagement with the trade union and civil society. What this is saying to society — and it must not be ignored — is that the Opposition’s conduct in this specific case is giving meaning to Article 13 in the Guyana Constitution.

Regards,

LINCOLN LEWIS
General Secretary
GTUC