Dear Editor
DEAR Brothers and Sisters, as we look forward to 2017 we expect the ongoing enhancement of good governance, well balanced programmes, sensitivity, appreciation and respect for all levels of human contributions and recognition of the importance of their future role and involvement in nation-building. It is necessary to reflect on past experiences to sharpen our awareness of the struggle that brought us to this juncture and to reinforce our commitment and resolve to what is required of us to overcome the challenges ahead and move forward to achieving our goals.
For over three decades, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has encountered unwarranted assaults on its membership while representing them to guarantee their existence in comfort and with dignity, as they provide quality public services in the national interest for the good of all users of these services. These assaults were enormous and vicious and clearly intended to destroy the union and render the membership vulnerable. In the face of such atrocities, public servants remained professional but conscious, firm and committed members of their union. Their solidarity was their contribution to their union’s capacity to defend and protect their employment and secure their ability to maintain their obligations to the welfare of their families.
The most vicious period of attacks was during the Jagdeo regime, marked by the termination of check-off of union dues and the Agency Fees Agreement in June, 2000; the attempts to deprive the union of its properties; and the ruthless and anti-working class seizure of its land at Thomas Lands (Sports Complex) and passing it on to a criminal element, apparently for favours; the conversion of permanent employment to contract employment,eliminating security of tenure; the unfair dismissal of public service workers; the non-observation of obligations to legally binding collective agreements; the flouting of court orders and many other acts of executive lawlessness, which had an impact on frustrating the union’s capacity to effectively respond to these abuses and other challenges. Here again, I must mention the vital and essential role of those members who stood steadfastly with the union in this struggle at great personal sacrifice, to eventually vanquish this abomination and to contribute to the change of government that came about in May, 2015.
There is a perception which I share, that the magnitude of support for the change which came about in May, 2015, is much larger than can be measured by the official results. Be that as it may, overwhelmingly, those who contributed to this victory were self-motivated ; they included the down-trodden, the jobless, the discriminated, the victimised, the abused and many more who refused to tolerate the immoral, vulgar and executive lawless state of affairs that prevailed. Their mission was for a new start that respected values, decency, equality, fairness, even-handedness, harmony and unity.
Having achieved that goal with the current elected government in office, undoubtedly there has been many areas of improvement, namely the enforcement of laws and eradication of corruption, freedom of the press and professional and credible journalism, restoration of security of tenure in employment within the public service and enhancement of the integrity of constitutional institutions to name a few. However, there is grave dissatisfaction with the non-regularising of many concerns of the GPSU for which assurance was given by this new government. For example, the non-implementation of the cabinet decision for the sweeper/ cleaners to be paid at the minimum wage level. We consider this as most uncaring and discriminatory to these vulnerable but essential workers, especially when one takes into consideration other massive expenditures that were met. The procrastination in addressing the inappropriate working conditions of health workers nationally. The lack of recognition of union representation to address the need for improved working conditions for the employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority. The non-reinstatement of the Agency Shop Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU for the Public Service. The non-replacement of union nominees on all Boards of Directors for which, they previously held positions. The non-provision of recreational and sports facilities for the civil employees of the public service as is being done for the disciplined services and as was previously done by Guystac and Guysuco for their employees. The apparent lack of commitment to comprehensive, collective bargaining as the salary and allowances negotiations for 2016 are incomplete and there are unwarranted frustrations and apparent resistance to honouring this legal obligation and campaign commitment. The aforementioned and other known concerns need to be dealt with expeditiously to correct the gross, existing inadequacies in remuneration and other conditions of employment for employees of the public service. Indeed, it is more than reasonable to expect that these commitments would have been fulfilled by the new government, given that they have been in office for more than a year and a half.
In addition, there is concern over the obvious neglect and absence of attention from the new government, which is evident to many who struggled selflessly and at great sacrifice to bring about this change. This concern extends to the insensitivity and disinterest in addressing pertinent issues, being displayed by officials in positions who were not a part of this struggle. Those patriots who struggled, particularly the vulnerable, deserve to have their legitimate concerns addressed. The displeasure and dissatisfaction are distractions that need to be eradicated soonest, as there is much work to be done which need full attention and a cooperative effort. However, as a nation, while we strive to move forward, we must never permit the return to the lawless and ruthless conduct of the past regime.
The GPSU looks forward to overall improvements in its relationship with the government and all management, particularly in the agencies where the union is recognised. We look forward to an enhanced national environment of inclusivity, consultation and collaboration. Towards the realisation of this objective, the GPSU pledges to do its part in the interest of national development and improved and enhanced quality public service to contribute to progress, harmony and national unity. In this spirit of commitment and with sincerity, I extend to all best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity in 2017, particularly our members and their families.
Regards
Patrick Yarde
President GPSU