PRESIDENT of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde,has said that his union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority, who are now deliberately attempting to hurt and undermine the body.
He made the comments in a message to mark the union’s 94th Anniversary, which was observed on Thursday. Yarde was only recently re-elected to the head of the organisation in a bruising elections battle, which many still accuse him of stealing.

In his message, Yarde said over the years it has been a continuous struggle to advance its motto: Justice for the Public Employee. He said the pursuit of this virtue has been difficult, demanding, risky, painful and has required great sacrifice among many other trials and tribulations. “In this mission, the intention was always to further this pursuit in a manner that was all inclusive of our membership’s involvement and participation. Our mission was always principled and executed with transparency and in a democratic fashion, leaving a legacy which was noble, decent, enlightened and one that we can forever be proud of,” Yarde said.

He noted that in an effort to comprehensively deal with this national dilemma, the GPSU has advocated and pursued a campaign of good governance. “This course of action was costly, demanding and very challenging. This involvement did bring about positive changes. The union expected that with this change of governance, urgent attention would have been given to pending matters in recognition of the price paid and sacrifices made. This has not happened. Even though President David Granger’s conduct and respect for the union, the Constitution of Guyana and the Rule of Law is refreshing and outstanding, the union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority, who now deliberately attempt to hurt and undermine the union,” Yarde declared.

“Our forefathers laid a solid foundation for the protection of the initial members of our union. They, having recognised that many other public service workers needed their support, then embarked on a mission to extend their protective coverage to vulnerable groups in the Public Service; the temporary establishment, the open vote employees etc. They struggled for the unification of the Public Service, thus securing superannuation benefits for all categories of public servants.”

He said the rules of the union were constantly reviewed to ensure that they remained relevant to the prevailing environment and at the same time, that they ensured that the union was insulated from undesirable and unwarranted involvement. “Constitutional changes were made to allow more meaningful involvement of women and youths and engagement in human rights and race relations activities nationally, regionally and internationally. Overall, great strides were made and from the work, consultation and achievement, the union earned a recognition that it is proud of to this day. Many envied our organisation for its successes which earned us enemies to the extent that the union was even penetrated by undesirable fractions [sic],” Yarde said.

According to him, the successes in representation for increased remuneration were so enormous that the entire Public Service population in and out of uniform, the judiciary and politicians in and out of government benefited. “Although that occurred, there were those widespread elements that tried to undermine the union. There were countless assaults on the union, which we withstood. However, individual members have suffered and the union has been of assistance to them to the best of its ability.”

Recent elections
Meanwhile, turning to the recent elections of the GPSU, Yarde said what manifested there for the Executive Council for the term of office 2017-2021 is the climate of hypocrisy and duplicity that prevails around the union, coupled with the element of undesirables that must be addressed and will be addressed swiftly and thoroughly. “Action will also be taken to do all that is necessary to recover everything that we were deprived of by the executive’s lawless conduct of the previous regime, even if we must do so without the promised support,” Yarde charged.

Promises
Yarde promised that the GPSU shall restore its Sports Complex located on Thomas Lands to the glory that had existed to create a modern recreational facility for its members, their families and surrounding communities. “GPSU will take every necessary action to give true meaning to, and have respect shown for, collective bargaining and ultimately to honour collective agreements. The GPSU will demand and is prepared to struggle for the government to honour its commitment and complete the 2016 negotiations for salary, wages and allowances, and will strive to ensure that a living wage is paid to all of its members. The GPSU will not cease in its pursuit for entitlement for all public sector workers and the right to security of tenure.”

The GPSU President added that his union will never give up the struggle for sweeper/cleaners entitlement to decent work and fair treatment. He said too that the GPSU recognises the need for amendments to the Pensions Act to make it more relevant to workers’ circumstances and will continue the struggle for this change. “The GPSU must strive for unity within, by working to ensure that the membership of the union is compatible and speak with one voice. We must do so in the national interest of the people, guaranteeing the provision of quality public services removing all obstacles. The GPSU is committed to achieving these goals. “

Yarde said the GPSU desires harmonious relationships and will utilise its energies to positively, decently and effectively contribute to the national work environment in an enlightened manner and in the nation’s interest. “As President, I extend to the loyal, dedicated and committed members of the Guyana Public Service Union the heartiest 94th Anniversary greetings,” Yarde ended his message.