WORKERS of the country’s main telecommunications provider GTT continued protest action Wednesday over a number of grievances, including the imposition of working conditions without consulting their union and the proposed closure of the Church street, Georgetown location.“Most recently they told staff that they will be closing the Church Street location, we have no idea where those employees will be placed, we have no idea if they will be re-designated, we have no idea on the way forward and what is supposed to be happening,” Eslyn Harris, Secretary of Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers Union (GPTWU) stated.

She was speaking at a protest outside GTT’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters.

“Our colleague’s fore parents fought for workers’ rights decades and centuries ago, and now we are out here fighting for the same cause.

“It goes to show the management of GT&T doesn’t really care about employees, worker or labour force that has the company standing on its feet.”

Some of the placards held by staff and union representatives stated, “Staff want to be treated and paid well” and “GTT technicians are not slaves, one man team can’t work.”

The protest has been ongoing for weeks now and disgruntled employees on the protest line called for their rights to be respected and for management to communicate with GPTWU before decisions are made that would affect their welfare.

Harris said that GTT had signed a collective labour agreement with the GPTWU earlier this year and the company continues to exclude the union when making decisions on behalf of their member’s welfare.

“They continue to exclude us from negotiation and meaningful engagement process; it is the members view that once GT&T continues to exclude their union, their rights will be further trampled upon, they will be further violated and manipulated,” Ms Harris declared.

She said that over the years GT&T have been implementing draconian measures against its employees. Citing recent examples, she said the staffs of the GTT were told that their pay slips will be sent to them via email and that technicians continue to work without assistance.

Another issue underscored was the company’s move to offer employees over 50-years-old a voluntary retirement package. This, she noted, was supposed to be addressed by a pension committee that is not in operation. GPTWU President, Harold Shepherd had rejected the proposal by GT&T. He pointed out that the move to pay these workers their full pension and an added ten weeks’ pay would only result in them being shortchanged.

Shepherd said that GT&T has not contacted the union on the issues that were raised during the previous protest. He continued that GT&T had only sent a letter to the Union proposing some additional changes to the Collective Labour Agreement.

According to GT&T, the company’s leadership supports the rights of their employees and joins the Union in rallying for continuous and improved working conditions. However, the company will not be intimidated when it comes to striking a balance between rights and the long-term sustainability of the company.

“Our employees have the right to voice their issues and concerns; but we are about to commence Collective Labour Agreement discussions and as such we will engage in dialogue when at the bargaining table. GT&T will not sway otherwise,” Justin Nedd, GT&T Chief Executive Officer stated yesterday.