THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said it is encouraged by the performance of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with oversight responsibility for the Labour Department Simona Broomes, who has consistently added her political weight in having the Labour laws respected by recalcitrant employers.“Initially, while the GTUC was hesitant about this minister’s appointment, given her newness to Labour, her assertive manner in embracing and executing the task thus far, without fear, favour or ill will is encouraging,” the GTUC said in a statement yesterday.

“It also sends a signal to workers and employers that this administration is prepared to deliver to the working- class people relief measures from years of public abuse, mismanagement and violations executed/practised by the previous government to deny and disempower them,” it added.

The GTUC also stated that the recent visit to Regent Street by the Labour Department supported with the political muscles is seen as a step in the right direction. The commercial sector, primarily Regent Street is known to be engaged in acts contrary to the labour laws and ILO Core Labour Standards which are demoralising to the labour force and carry consequences for this country’s image within the international community.
The GTUC believes the minister’s hands-on approach will run contrary to those who want to continue the lawlessness in society. She is a minister for the season and no doubt big businesses contemptuous of the rule of law will use whatever clout they have to come down on her and it is hoped the administration [will] demonstrate its commitment to workers and change, by standing solidly behind her.
“The Labour Department today is beginning to regain the confidence of the workers and trade unions. GTUC is further encouraged that this new administration has ensured over $16million owed to workers was paid by recalcitrant employers under ministerial and departmental oversight.”

It is also noteworthy that several employers have been either convicted or are before the court for labour transgressions.

The GTUC said it would like to see coordinated approaches with other ministerial efforts, Labour Department and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to ensure compliance with the laws, in order to protect and ensure the longevity of the scheme and pensioners/workers’ social security benefits.

At the same time, the GTUC called on Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, to further the advancement and deepen the thrust of ministerial outreach in the labour environment by appointing the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURB).

The TURB is legally required to give recognition and protection to trade union and workers. Its absence creates an unstable industrial climate, given that workers’ well-being guaranteed in Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Trade Union Recognition Act is immobilised.
The GTUC pointed out that while it is encouraged by the recent work of the Labour Department, it expects the government to appoint the arbitration tribunal to deal with the six-year impasse between the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). The non-resolution not only constitutes disrespect for the laws and transgression of workers’ rights, but also epitomizes that justice delayed is justice denied.
“This administration has inherited the impasse and the responsibility is theirs to act in accordance with the laws, failing which it continues the violation of the previous regime. The society voted for change and the aggrieved workers have been waiting for justice to be served,” the GTUC said.
The GTUC also called on the government to continue to enforce the Laws of Guyana which guarantee protection of fundamental freedoms and rights of every citizen.