GAWU extends ‘militant’ greetings to workers

“AS WE celebrate Labour Day 2016, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to extend militant greetings to all our workers; indeed, to all Guyanese.

“May Day is one of the few holidays observed internationally, and is always a reminder of those of the working class who have made invaluable contributions to better workers’ lives. It is also the occasion for the working class to acknowledge its common objectives and recognise the need for solidarity in (its) ever-sharpening struggles for a peaceful world and a better life.

“Our union is pleased to take part in this year’s activities, which are being held unitedly by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), after many years. The main rally in the city is one of the several activities which have resulted from the improved collaboration and co-operation between the two (2) workers’ bodies.

“We are optimistic that this positive development in the relations between FITUG and the GTUC will be strengthened in the period ahead. Labour Day offers another appropriate occasion to express our concerns over some policies being pursued of recent, and their effects on the working people of the country. Here we refer to the uncalled cessation of the Education Grant to school children; the removal of subsidies from old age pensioners; the significant increases in (costs for) licences and other fees; the increase in certain taxes, as well as the introduction of new taxes. These and other things should be reviewed with a view to (restoring) those benefits and rescind those measures which will certainly further raise the cost-of-living.

“In recent months, hundreds of workers have lost their jobs, both in the public and private sectors. We must recognise their plight, and cannot ignore the fact that many from the public sector lost their jobs unwantedly or due to political considerations. It is timely to recall that, not too long ago, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) advised that youth unemployment was as high as 40 per cent. These new hundreds will swell the jobless ranks and certainly raise the percentage statistic.

“It is opportune also to again draw attention to the threats of more unemployment and possible ruin that await numerous cane farmers and self-employed persons with the planned closure of Wales Estate and the cessation of operations at LBI Estate. We believe that, at this stage and level of our development, these are ill-considered measures. Those who will be directly hit are primarily workers and farmers.
“This must be of concern not only to GAWU, but to the united trade union movement which, hopefully, will be taking up in earnest these matters after the May Day celebrations. The trade union movement; indeed, the working class and other working people, have a number of matters to reflect on, discuss, and seek to resolve. With the unity being forced, we are optimistic that we can give, in a principled way, the necessary leadership to meet the challenges before us.
“The GAWU is sure that, together, in our unity, we can overcome obstacles in our way, and the trade unions can make a major contribution towards a new day and a better society for our people.”

Gov’t salutes workers on Labour Day

“THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana salutes all workers on this historic Labour Day 2016.

“It is the work of the people of Guyana that “safeguards and builds on the rich heritage won through tireless struggle (and) bequeathed to us by our forebears”, as stated in the preamble of our Constitution.

“It is the people of Guyana’s earnest and constantly renewed commitment to tireless and unstinting work which realises the development, growth, and progress of our beloved beautiful land.

“The Coalition Government is pleased, and indeed proud, that this May Day is being celebrated in a spirit of unity, cooperation and mutual respect. It is how, as an independent and sovereign people, this celebration must always be.

“Labour Day 2016 represents a new beginning after too many years of workers and Government being ensnared in an environment of hostility and disrespect. The spirits of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the pioneer of the fight for labour rights in Guyana, and the other vanguard fighters who have passed will be pleased that this new day has dawned.

“Relentless attacks on the GTUC and other labour unions, and annual disrespect for the collective bargaining process are no more.

“The Coalition Government is proud that, in less than one year in office, the annual subvention to the Critchlow Labour College has been restored, the income tax threshold has been twice increased, and the minimum wage has been increased to $50,000.

“Workers in Guyana are undoubtedly better off today than they were a year ago. There is more work to be undertaken at all levels, to allow for improved conditions, enhanced salaries, more comprehensive and thorough negotiations, and establishing collective bargaining is the permanent standard.

“The Government remains resolute in standing in solidarity with the workers of Guyana for the realisation of a good life for all, and in protecting the right to work, as enshrined in the Constitution.

“No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her right to work; that is to say, the right to free choice of employment.” – Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Chapter 12, Part 2, Article 194A.

“Finally, the Coalition Government reiterates the call for all workers to once again rededicate their efforts and commitment in building a cohesive, progressive and inclusive Guyana for all our people, now and for future generations.”

GPSU welcomes unification of the Public Service

— Patrick Yarde
“On this May 2016 Labour Day celebration, the Executive Council and I wish to recognise and honour the contributions, commitment, sacrifice and loyalty of the women and men who remained steadfast during the previous 23 years (while) the country was under the harsh stewardship of the Peoples’ Progressive Party.

“Had it not been for their courageous and unwavering opposition to the atrocities meted (out) to public servants, there would have been no union. Although their fundamental rights were

infringed upon, this did not break the spirit of members; they stood and bonded stronger.

“Last May Day, the National Elections were before us. As President of the Guyana Public Service Union, I wholeheartedly welcomed the outcome in expectation that the anti-trade union/anti-working class policies which predominated the previous era had come to an end. (This was) a view also shared by an overwhelming cross-section of members of the union and public servants alike, who (had) experienced “trademark” injustices of the previous administration.

“Members and many others looked forward to the election as an avenue of freedom from the oppressive regime, and a new beginning promising development and hope for working professionals.

“Despite the years of relentless and ruthless exploitation, it must be emphasised that public servants maintained their dignity, worked professionally, conducted themselves with decorum, and strived to deliver quality public service in the interest of all.

“Undoubtedly, this performance is commendable, as it enhanced the people’s prosperity and the image of the country.

“It is indisputable that the policies of the APNU-AFC Government were positive and geared to restore good governance, stamp out corruption and all forms of executive lawlessness in pursuit of enhanced national development. It was particularly encouraging to the GPSU, and we welcomed the commitment to restore collective bargaining and trade union rights.

“We are confident that this pledge is genuine. We welcome the restoration of the unification of the Public Service, offering full employment and security of tenure to all public servants. We welcome the engagements with the Minister and Ministry of Finance staff and the financial assistance to enhance meaningful involvement of our members through the process of education, interaction, and improved communication.

“We welcome the commitment to restore fully our sports complex sporting facilities to its original use among other good faith commitments.

“Though the period has been short, there remain crucial areas of concern where results have not materialised with the sense of urgency desired. The absence of attention to these much-talked-about and merited issues has generated some measure of disappointment and displeasure.

Of note are:
* Young workers who have been in the vanguard demanding betterment, justice, fairness and the right to be heard are yet to see their expectations realised;

* The obvious neglect of those who struggled to help bring about changes;

* The poor and the downtrodden, particularly our women, are yet to experience meaningful change in their circumstances;

* Constitutional and trade union rights are still under serious challenge;

* The promised inclusivity which was so attractive and welcomed by a wide cross section is yet to be realised

* The implementation of Cabinet decision re-classifying Sweeper/Cleaners as full time workers

* Finally, but of significance, the urgent need to comprehensively and adequately address remuneration for public service workers (ie wages, salaries and allowances.)

As Phillip Randolph said, “Freedom is never granted – it is won; Justice is never given, it is exacted.” This statement manifests the view of those who made sacrifices that freedom won must be guarded closely by the patriarchs that earned it.

“During this important juncture of our country’s history, celebrating the 50th Independence Anniversary, our union recognises the potential of the leadership of this nation to influence and sincerely garner national unity, and give authentic meaning to the country’s motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. This, it is believed, must be pursued with diligence.

“The union continues to stand ready to support all nation-building endeavours.

“The Executive Council and I wish to express heartfelt thanks and great admiration to all public servants. As we pursue a new beginning, let us find strength together to overcome all challenges.

“In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to perish together as fools”.

“Conscientious of our achievements, we look forward to the good life, national development benefiting all, and together sincerely contributing to a benevolent society.

“On behalf of the Guyana Public Service Union, I extend best wishes to all workers for a Happy Labour Day 2016.”