— FITUG tells private sector employers

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has called on employers in the private sector to educate their employees about the COVID-19 vaccines rather than compel them to take it, urging that such practise must cease forthwith.
According to the umbrella trade union body, no country, globally, has made it mandatory for citizens to receive COVID-19 vaccination.
“Therefore, we find it disconcerting that it is touted that some employers have decided to take it upon themselves to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for their employees. We urge that if such practices exist that they be abandoned and if such thoughts are harboured, persons minds be disabused. The federation remains open to collaborating with bona fide and legitimate actors in our society to advance the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in our country in a manner that respects the rights and choices of all Guyanese,” the release said.

It was brought to the union’s attention that some private sector enterprises have been denying employees work opportunities unless they have received the COVID-19 vaccines.
FITUG however, said it recognises and appreciates the efforts of employers to encourage and plead with their workers to get vaccinated against the virus and has been encouraging its affiliates to do the same. “We hold, like our colleagues in the private sector, vaccines play a critical role in assisting us to exit the pandemic. Though supportive of efforts for all Guyanese to be vaccinated, the FITUG draws the line where workers are apparently denied work for making a personal choice. We contend that such thoughts and efforts run counter to the vaccination thrust. Many Guyanese are responsible and respond to logical, cogent arguments. And we urge such measures be pursued,” the release concluded.