“ALTHOUGH we have achieved many of our development goals thus far, workers’ rights will continue to be number one on our agenda, as we work towards improving and developing the rights of workers across Guyana.”Those were the words of Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul on Wednesday last at the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) 5th Delegates’ Conference, which was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Center, High Street, Kingston.

According to Minister Gopaul, over the past 22 years the Ministry of Labour along with the Government of Guyana has worked extensively towards ensuring employees have their maximum benefits and legislative protection, because a country’s workforce is the backbone of any country; if a country’s workforce fails there is sure to be a halt in economic development.
WORKERS’ PROTECTION
The Minister highlighted that over the years there have been various systems put in place to monitor employers to ensure that workers aren’t ill-treated, and their rights and benefits are always secured and readily available.
“Every law developed for workers’ protection was discussed among both employers and employees so as to ensure that there is satisfaction among every party involved,” he said.
Last year the Ministry of Labour along with the various trade unions tripled the amount of benefits made payable by employers for violating these laws, as compared to the past when there was just an average of $16M; “last year we collected in excess of $50M on behalf of workers who have been victimized,” said Minister Gopaul.
He further emphasized that they will not abandon the working class, for without them the progress of this country will not be possible.
WAGES & SALARIES
Apart from that for the past 22 years, every year there has been an increase in wages and salaries, given the fact that it is primarily one of the major issues facing not only Guyana but also the international arena.
The Government, according to the Minister of Labour, promises that as the economy improves more wages and salaries will be paid, so that persons can be more financially stable in a world which is rapidly developing.
He highlighted that the wages and salaries which workers received today, compared to the 1970s, is by far more beneficial for them.
SAFETY MECHANISMS
Meanwhile, aside from wages and salaries, and workers’ rights, Minister Gopaul disclosed that emphasis is also being placed on safety practices in the employees’ working environment, especially in the construction industry.
“Mainly because there have been many instances where workers while working on a construction project either fell off the building or there was some other mishap at the worksite, therefore we have enforced strict rules and measures so as to ensure that the workers are safe at all times,” he said.
According to the Minister, there are teams which are constantly policing construction areas so as to ensure that protocol is followed. “If any employer breaches the rules there will be consequences for their actions.”
Meanwhile, he expressed his gratitude to the various Trade Unions for formulating rules so as to ensure that workers who are affected by various ailments are not victimized or treated differently from the others.
In closing Minister Gopaul stated that workers will continue to benefit in many ways as the Government of Guyana continues to move forward in a positive direction.

(By Navendra Seoraj)