– GPSU advises health workers to note down discriminatory transportation operators

HEALTH workers remain on the frontline of the battle against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, yet operators of public transportation have been discriminating against these workers, an act which was condemned by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

Considering those discriminatory actions, the GPSU advised all healthcare workers to record the registration number of any public transportation vehicle that denies them their right to join the vehicle, to be transported. This information should be forwarded to the GPSU so that adequate action could be taken.

The union, in a press statement on Thursday, said it is offended by the attitude displayed by some operators of the public transportation system to the healthcare workers, particularly nurses.

“This behaviour by some drivers/conductors of the minibuses who are refusing to transport nurses in uniform, to and from work, must be condemned,” said GPSU.

The action must be condemned because healthcare workers are on the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far infected over one million persons and claimed the lives of close to 80,000 persons.

“Our healthcare workers render patient care to those afflicted and all assistance should be given to ensure that they arrive at work on time to relieve their tired and sometimes overworked colleagues and to take home those who have just completed their shift.

“The service these workers provide is priceless and they should be commended and every effort should be made by the public to display appreciation for the work they do, to encourage and motivate them to make their lives comfortable,” said GPSU.

The union also acknowledged that minibuses serve as an integral part of the public transportation system in Guyana, while the healthcare workers depend on minibuses to get to work on time or to get home after a hard day/night providing health care.

The GPSU acknowledged the right of every individual or entity to ensure that anyone who is anticipated to be in close proximity of the virus observe certain health protocols, and is positive that healthcare workers observe all the necessary requirements before leaving their home or work.

And, if there is a concern by the operators of public transport, the union suggested that those operators implement appropriate systems, considered practicable and, similar to those adopted by agencies.

“However, to deny them (healthcare workers) access to the minibus is downright absurd, unlawful, and completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated. As a licensed public transportation operator, there should be no discrimination and all passengers should be treated equally and any acts of discrimination should be dealt with by the law,” said the GPSU.

It was reported that the Ministry of Public Health had put measures in place to protect healthcare workers who are dealing with COVID-19 patients.

The Ministry had partnered with the Ministry of Communities to provide transportation for all healthcare workers to travel to and from their place of work.

Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, retired brigadier George Lewis, had said the staff of the institution is being discriminated against when they attempt to use private transportation or visit supermarkets and other places.

He had reminded that healthcare workers are important in the fight against COVID-19 and as such, urged persons to stop the discrimination.