PUBLIC sector wages/salaries are an important component in determining the quality of life, not only for public sector workers, but equally for the private sector and the country at large. The current negotiation between the Government of Guyana and public sector unions is also about the process and perception given by the Government to other employers.

The proposals put to the Government by the unions representing public servants, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); and teachers, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), need to be addressed within the spirit the President, who is Head of Government, has communicated. The delay in negotiations between the GPSU and Government was informed by President Granger stating that wages and salaries would be addressed after the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service concludes its work.
The 11th May Report by the Commission speaks to wide-ranging issues that need to be addressed and corrected, because restoration of professionalism in the service is vital. Among those issues are: a comprehensive evaluation within the service; addressing the problem of bunching; return of merit increment in the system; return to collective bargaining; negotiation of allowances; putting mechanisms in place for resolution of wages and salaries; and establishment of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

Within the GPSU’s proposal, a number of these issues were tabled. But where the employer and workers’ organisations are at the critical juncture where there seems to be only a singular issue addressed, such risk conveying the impression that there may be absent an atmosphere of good-faith negotiation. The President has, however, stated that his administration is looking at a comprehensive package for public servants, and not just the increase in wages. The desire to achieve the much- touted and needed proficient public service would not be made possible where the appropriate tools are unavailable, some of which are included in the above-mentioned.

The minimum and maximum wages/salaries determined through negotiation in the public sector are also used by private sector employers in setting the wages and salaries of their employees. Additionally, with the public sector wages scale being used as a guide by the private sector, the way and manner in which the Government negotiates with the trade unions would be observed, and if possible, applied.

Government sets the tone for society, and its officials serve as role models. Often, such expectations inform the demands made by citizens of government officials — elected and appointed — to conduct themselves in a particular manner, including respecting principles of good governance, law and ethics.

Given the foregoing, any culture developed in negotiation between Government and trade unions would set the example and tone for private sector employers to treat with unions in their sector, and also with non-unionised employees. Officialdom has to be mindful of such reality. For instance, any reluctance — perceived or real — to address issues such as basic travel allowance to perform the business of the organization; vacation benefit, and other mundane issues will influence how private sector employers approach similar issues of workers’ welfare.

The GTU, though over time has been calling for the honouring of outstanding agreements, seems to be encountering difficulty in having the employer respond favourably. Moving at a pace conceived and perceived to be tardy in having issues agreed upon being implemented can influence negative views by the teachers, who are the beneficiaries and play a major role in education delivery and the moulding of minds for development.

It hinders relations when negotiations reach the level where there is distrust, given that same can lead to adversarial relationship and spill off into other sectors in society. The commitments given by President Granger to the people of Guyana — of his administration’s focus in placing priorities on the public service and teachers — need to be looked at in spirit and action. And where Government officials are seen or perceived to be creating roadblocks to the administration’s stated objective, something has to be done to have the situation corrected.

Negotiation is about issues. It is not about one-upmanship. It is also not only about numbers, given that it requires looking at the best possible mix of issues. For instance, paying an employee a $200 increase on wages when the meal allowance paid by the employer is less than what a meal costs makes no good sense. The treatment of the negotiations with the public servants and teachers, like every negotiation, requires good-faith engagements and arriving at a package that all are comfortable with.

The APNU+AFC, in its manifesto, has committed to an educated nation and also a professional public service. Where Government officials may be perceived to engage in actions inconsistent with the manifesto, those persons should be influenced to be mindful of such perception, if such is not what the Government intends to portray. Elections have consequences, one of which is commitment to honour what has been promised.