Press Release

The Guyana Public Service Union has once again written to President Jagdeo expressing displeasure at the procrastination of the Government of Guyana in dealing with increases in remuneration for public sector workers - salaries, wages and allowances which require urgent attention in light of the severe economic hardship being experienced by workers in general, apart from the fact that such increases are deserving and merited. 

On June 1, 2007, the GPSU submitted to the Government of Guyana proposals for increases in salaries, wages and allowances for 2009 by letter address to the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry. This was in keeping with procedures in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Public Service Ministry (PSM) (on behalf of the Government of Guyana) for Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes that is legally binding.  Noting the failure of the Government to observe and respect the collective bargaining process as enshrined in International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87, 98 and 151 which were ratified by the Parliament of Guyana and Guyana being a member state of ILO is obligated to observe the articles of these conventions.  

Taking into consideration this procrastination, which conduct is in conflict with the time frame set out by the Agreement and clearly a display of bad faith in addressing the matter. Also, in recognition of the economic hardship and deprivation being experience by public officers with devastating consequences. The Union averted to various approaches and communication with the Government and its Agencies for urgent action to be taken on this matter commencing with a letter to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on March 26, 2009.  

This initial approach was considered by the Union’s Executive Council and was taken after the 2009 estimate of Income and Expenditures (Budget) were passed by Parliament on February 26, 2009. The 2009 Estimates of Expenditure that were passed included an allocation of two billion, three hundred and fifty six million, two hundred and eighteen thousand dollars ($2,356, 218,000.00) for public servants’ revision of wages and salaries.  

In the correspondence to Dr. Singh March 26, 2009 and subsequently, another on the May 25, 2009 to the President, the Union called on the Government to make an Interim Payment, since the funds refer to above were already approved by the Parliament and only required the President or Cabinet to authorized such payment.   

To date, approximately seven (7) months since the approval the above mentioned budgetary allocation for Revision of Wages and Salaries of two billion, three hundred and fifty six million, two hundred and eighteen thousand dollars ($2,356, 218,000.00), no positive steps has been taken to appropriate the funds inconsonance with the intention of Parliament. 

The Union views this attitude as insensitive, uncaring and unconscionable. It has therefore approached the President Jagdeo once more to have this humanitarian issue be expeditiously addressed and resolved in full recognition of the plight of workers.    

 Guyana Public Service Union

160 Regent Rd and Shiv Chanderpaul Dr.,

Bourda

GEORGETOWN 

August 22, 2009