Public Service Union gets little public servants support

IT was a shocker for the president and leaders of the Guyana Public Service Union yesterday, when less than one hundred persons turned up for their protest march against the five per cent salary increase announced by the government.This was the union’s first of an expected series of marches to vent their disapproval with what they termed the unrealistic increase.
In his opening remarks before the march, president of the union, Patrick Yarde told the gathering that there was not enough time to contact its members living across the country to take part in the march.
The union head said that the budget was passed since April of this year and the five percent should have been issued soon after. He added that based on what the budget represented, public servants should have received a higher amount but they are asking for only 15 per cent.
He said the results that the union wished to see were not going to come overnight, but as long as they all work and stand together they will overcome the challenges, regardless.
Yesterday the march started at the head office of the union at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Regent Street, and made its way through several less congested streets of the city, passing by several key locations, including the Office of the President, Ministry of Home Affairs and other agencies which employ a large number of public servants.
The march of protest, led by Mr. Yarde was orderly and peaceful.

(By Leroy Smith)