By Ariana Gordon

VETERAN Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), was quick on the proverbial draw on Sunday, during the culmination of the 2016 Labour Day Parade at the National Park, to remind the Government that it owes its presence in the seat of governance to the trade union movement.Lewis called on the Coalition Government to, as soon as possible, commence negotiating with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on the matter of increasing wages and salaries. He stressed that the work of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of affairs in the public sector has no bearing on those negotiations.

“There is nothing — including a Commission — that legally supersedes this law…it is time to bring it to an end. It is time to bring an end to more than a decade [of] contempt for the law and workers’ rights by the Government,” the trade unionist advocated.

He noted that the promises that Government made during its campaign must be fulfilled, as those represent a contract with the electorate.

“I come to remind them today that this time is workers’ time… In this 50th year of the nation’s Independence, the labour movement has a responsibility to protect the gains the workers acquired over the years… In whatever way we celebrate, it must be remembered that nothing was given to us. We have fought several battles, and the results are today seen,” he contended.

Noting that the Public Service is in disarray because workers are poorly paid, Lewis said Government officials gave themselves an increase amounting to 50 per cent, which allegedly serves to prevent incidents of bribery.

“As politicians pay themselves astronomical increases under the pretext that this will minimise corruption on their part, so, too, must our men and women in uniform be paid. Workers must demand that the same barometer used to determine salary increases for the politicians be used for them!” Lewis posited.

Fired up in his delivery, Lewis suggested that public servants be paid 50 per cent increase in salaries, just like the politicians.

“50 per cent, and we ain’t gon tek no more bribe!” the trade unionist stated. Noting that all players must be held to a “certain standard” of accountability, he urged the administration to ensure that public servants receive the treatment and respect they deserve.

HONOUR MANDATE
He called on those elected to public office to fulfill their mandates in ensuring that the citizens who elected them are satisfied with their work.

“Let us understand that Independence and Republican status were realised because the politicians at that time embraced the workers’ programmes. Those who sit on the National Assembly and the Executive are reminded that they owe their presence here to this movement!” Lewis declared.

Lewis accused the Government of breaching the laws of Guyana in respect to collective bargaining. He explained that the right to collective bargaining is protected in Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana, and must be respected by all.

“You don’t tell me I got to wait till next month to get my rights respected! The Constitution said I am entitled to my respect, give me now!” he demanded.

UNDERPAID
Turning his attention to the allegations of corruption against members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Lewis said the root cause of the problems lies in officers being underpaid.

“Instead of seeking the root cause…officers are castigated and demonised. Yes, comrades, there are rogue officers…that should be dealt with… I can say without fear of contradiction that our military is underpaid and work under dangerous and hazardous conditions. Poor remuneration is a factor that contributes to our officers taking a top-up from the public,” Lewis contended.

But while most workers present at the May Day rally cheered Lewis, others likened him to former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Guh suh Lewis! Come off the stage Bharrat!” public servants were heard saying as Lewis spoke.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), First Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Komal Chand, as Lewis did, called on Government to respect the collective bargaining process.

“On this Workers Day, we must again emphasise our displeasure at the disrespect shown to collective bargaining — a revered trade union/employer engagement which was denied to the GAWU last year (2015),” Chand contended.

Chand said that, a few weeks ago, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) “unilaterally and bluntly told the union that at no time would it offer an increase for 2015”.

He reminded the Government of its promise to honour collective bargaining with unions in the Public Service while noting that the promise has not yet been fulfilled after one year in office.

“Collective bargaining helps to establish healthy worker-employer relationships. From this trade union platform, we urge the authorities to ensure that this commitment for collective bargaining is honoured,” Chand declared.

He also noted the need for the National Minimum Wage to be adjusted to reflect the rise in the cost of living and increased taxes, among other factors.

“Comrades, when the National Minimum Wage was implemented in 2013, we heartily welcomed it. It meant that no worker in the private and the public sector would be paid less than $202 per hour,” he explained. Speaking specifically to the sugar industry, Chand said this year marks 40 years since the industry’s nationalization, and those in authority must reflect on the importance of the industry to the country.

“With this in mind, we feel peeved that the industry’s workers are nowadays being treated in a disdainful manner,” he charged.
He said that, for the “first time in over three decades, thousands of workers did not obtain a wage adjustment”; and he noted that GuySuCo has refused to discuss increase in wages for 2015.

“Such refusal to engage in collective bargaining speaks volumes, and of course is a violation of laws, international conventions, and our agreements. Not only sugar workers, but indeed, all workers should express indignation over this development. Let us halt it before it spreads,” he invited.

Chand also pointed to the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, noting that the decision to close the estate is a step in the wrong direction, given that no “impact assessment” was done.

“Our union urges the relevant authorities to act wisely and not proceed to close Wales. We say put the well-being of our working people foremost in your consideration. GAWU also urges that a similar assessment be done with respect to the present operations at LBI Estate, where the consequences of closure for the workers are also great,” Chand said.

He continued that despite the challenges facing the sugar industry, “sugar’s success will redound to the benefit of our economy and assure the employment of thousands of Guyanese”.

CRIME A CONCERN
Chand said, too, that crime is another factor bothering his union; and he noted that the frequency with which criminal activities are occurring is cause for concern.

“We of FITUG believe the situation is very serious. We need assuring results, and the relevant authorities need to regularly review their tactics to contain, reduce, and eventually stamp out this menace from our midst,” he posited.

He described Sunday as an important “red-letter day”, noting that the joining of the unions represents an “important milestone in our history”.

“Hopefully, it is a new beginning to bring about enduring unity at the trade union level, based on a fair, just, and democratic foundation,” he declared.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, who represented Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, came in for strong disapproval from public servants when he criticised the Government for what he deemed to be its inability to properly manage the economy.

“Any working person and single persons have fallen on hard times,” Rohee said amidst boos from the public servants, who were clearly angered by his utterances.
The booing at one point overpowered Rohee’s presentation and caused chairperson of the proceedings, Norris Witter, to warn the gathering against such unbecoming behaviour.

According to Rohee, “Guyanese are embarrassed and outraged” by the state of affairs in Guyana. He noted that the human and fundamental rights of citizens have been trampled upon, and called on the administration to reintroduce the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 voucher; electricity and water subsidies for the elderly; and to end “discrimination and favouritism” in the awarding of contracts.

Rohee believes that the actions of the APNU-AFC Coalition Government have resulted in workers being “held back.”

“Workers must never be held back…workers’ rights must be defended at all times,” Rohee insisted.