The Public Utilities Undertakings and Public Health Services Arbitration (Amendment) Bill of 2009 was last evening passed in the National Assembly despite much resistance from members of the opposition.

The legislation moved by Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir sought to prohibit strikes and lock-outs in undertakings or services deemed essential to national interest.

The opposition members contented that the Bill is repressive as it takes away workers fundamental right to engage in industrial action.

However, representatives of the government side of the House said that the opposition claims are far from the truth, as the legislation does not intend to suppress workers from going on strike but to merely ensure they comply with established procedures.

They also emphasised that the legislation is not unique to Guyana, noting that similar acts can be found in India, Belize, Australia, Egypt and Iceland, to name a few countries.

Meanwhile, unlike the Public Utilities Undertakings and Public Health Services Arbitration (Amendment) Bill of 2009, the Shops (Consolidation) (Amendment) Bill of 2009 was approved with unanimous support.

That Bill paved the way for shops to open daily from 19: 30 to 22: 00, restaurant on a 24:00 hours basis, and parlours, barber shops and hairdressing establishments from 6:00 hours to mid-night.