THE Guyana Postal Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU) has rejected the decision by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) in dispatching 150 letters to employees under its early retirement programme.At a press conference on Thursday, GPTWU President Harold Shepherd told reporters that more than 95 per cent of the affected workers started working with the telephone company after 1973, contending that the decision by GTT is unfair.
He warned that industrial action will be taken if the labour agreement is not followed.
Mr Shepherd said letters were dispatched to the employees on January 5, 2016 and the union was notified the following day.

The union was not given the opportunity to bargain for the employees under the collective labour agreement. The 150 affected workers were given until January, 29, 2016 to confirm whether they will take the offer or continue working.
Eligible employees must be over 55 and have 10 or more years of service with the company as of December, 31, 2015.
“GTT, which prides itself as one of the best employers in Guyana, will not be allowed to act in such a reckless, uncaring and high-handed manner towards their long serviced employees… industrial action will take effect if nothing is done to remedy the situation,” Mr Shepherd said.
He explained that management’s decision to send the voluntary retirement letter to employees who are 55 years of age and over without engaging the union is also infringement to Article 147 of the Constitution.
Article 147 states that where exists Trade Union recognition, the employer is obligated to treat with the union in good faith.
“The decision taken by management is flagrant disregard for Article 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act #22 of 1997 which states: “Where a Trade Union obtains certificate of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in accordance with the part, the employer shall recognise the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining,” Mr Shepherd underscored.
He explained that the company deliberated by itself on behalf of itself and is currently imposing changes to conditions of service of unionised employees, without engaging their union.
“The extant pension plan forms a part of the employee’s condition of service and is inclusive in their contract of service,” he said.
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Mr Shepherd said the union is calling on all stakeholders to reject the action “of this Trans National Company that wants to get rid of highly skilled, experienced and committed employees, unceremoniously without the required compensation long before their legal retirement age.”
In addition, he said GTT is refusing to offer severance package since workers already earned their pension.
Noting the challenges faced by the affected employees, Mr Shepherd said upon inquiry the employees were told by the Human Resource Department that no figures would be issued via document and the company refuses to release even the formula being used during their calculations.
“How can the customers get more when the company is demoralising its dedicated staff since the other employees are asking which section of the workforce is next,” the GPTWU President questioned.
He continued: “In order for employees to receive such benefits the eligible employee must sign a release and waiver of claims against the company, to be provided in a separate document prior to their date of retirement…. Upon retirement, all health insurance, dental and other benefit plans will terminate and the employee will no longer be eligible for bonus, severance or any other payments.
“The management of GT&T is hereby placed on notice that they cannot break the reserve of the GPTWU since our memberships are prepared to stand resolutely against such blatant disregard for their right.”
Mr Shepherd said the union sees the company’s take on the pension plan as fear-mongering among the workers in an effort to reduce staff levels since GT&T has the financial wherewithal to sustain their employees’ pension plan.
Meanwhile, GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd in an invited comment said the Voluntary Early Retirement Plan is at the sole discretion of the employee who can either opt for or disregard and continue with their usual duties at work until full retirement.
The CEO explained that in the past retirees may have received a 100 per cent payout. The trust deed does not allow for this practice to prevail. He said currently, there is a transition period and the plan is being administered in accordance to the trust deed. This, he noted is to safeguard the retirement and pension fund. (rrooplall@guyanachronicle.com)

By Rabindra Rooplall