– feels gov’t can strike better bargain

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) believes that the government should have utilised “fiscal measures” to appease the operational burden of minibus operatives as opposed to an across-the-board hike in fares.

Just last week, the Ministry of Business revealed that effective September 1, commuters would be required to pay a G$20 increase in minibus fares so that operators can surmount some of the financial challenges facing the sector.

The decision comes after several meetings between the Ministry and the United Minibus Union (UMU), where the two discussed fuel prices and the rising costs for vehicle parts, maintenance and other necessities.

It was also announced that a Code of Conduct is in the pipeline for minibus operators, which will see them having to adhere to guidelines to do with mode of dress, seating, and hospitality training.

Its implementation is being discussed, and couldn’t come sooner as just last week a popular minibus conductor was stabbed and has since died after an alleged confrontation with a Route 31 minibus driver over a passenger.

The UMU and the Business Ministry both believe that proper enforcement will be needed for the Code of Conduct’s prolonged success.

However, FITUG in a media release on Monday said that although minibus operators are financially challenged, the increase in fares could see citizens spending several thousand dollars more per month on just transportation.

“While we accept that the operators have found themselves in a difficult position, taking into account the ban on used tyres, the increase in the cost of licences and fitness, in addition to other increases, it was disheartening for us that the government, it seemed, did not take cognizance of what impacts the increases would have on the pockets of the working-people,” FITUG said.

The Union went on to say that coupled with this is the “soon-to-be hiked water rates”, which together can work to overburden Guyanese.

“Naturally, we expected the Administration would have sought to see what assistance the State could have lent to easing the woes of the bus operators without placing additional burdens on our people,” FITUG said, adding:

“Today, while we boast of high economic growth, we find many of our people cannot cope with the pressures of life. This is not a healthy situation, and one we urge the Administration to pay careful attention to.”