Guyana Public Service Union
New Year’s Message 2010
Mr. Patrick Yarde - President

  
 
On this occasion the theme The Struggle for the Restoration of Labour Rights Nationally appears most appropriate if only because the industrial relations climate  relative to the treatment of workers and their rights  continues to deteriorate.
 
In this context the Union is obliged to reiterate its concern at the problems inherent in an undesirable culture to which the Government obviously subscribes in its relationship with its employees and their representative organization, i.e the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).  In this regard the pattern set by the Government has undoubtedly served to encourage other employers to emulate the behaviour of the Government. It is therefore not accidental that employees and their unions in other sectors in Guyana, even those who by any measure cannot be described as among the opponents or non sympathizers of the Government, are also the victims of similar treatment. 
 
The arbitrary imposition of salary increases and other benefits and conditions, in the process repudiating legally binding collective bargaining agreements; failure to bargain in good faith with recognized unions in violation of the law pertaining  to such practices; attempts to ignore recognized unions and have them de-recognized, while at the same time encouraging members of recognized unions to cancel their membership and discouraging and coercing workers to not join unions;  the arbitrary cancellation of check-off systems in full consciousness of their debilitating effects on trade unions and their activities; are all within our experience and in danger of becoming common practice in Guyana as is currently manifested in the bauxite industry.  
 
These practices and actions are in violation of the constitution and laws of Guyana, and of core ILO Conventions which the Government is under obligation to observe and respect. Instead, workers have been systematically deprived of elements designed for their protection.  In this sense many doors previously opened have been closed, and must therefore be reopened.
 
We are well aware and appreciative that over time there has been significant recognition  and support from major sections of the public against the  undermining effects of such violations of the rights of workers,  and their detrimental effects on the public interest.  Nonetheless, we have failed to galvanize broad based ongoing support to reverse these trends. As a consequence these practices and behavior patterns have now blossomed into glaring civil and human rights abuses.  This situation is compounded by relevant institutions being dysfunctional and thus rendering the ability to secure justice ineffective.
 
The failure of certain aid donors and international organizations in their dealings with states that violate the rights of workers to recognize and treat such phenomena as unacceptable, and apply corrective action such as insisting on certain codes of conduct and conditionalties, adds to the problem.
 
Ultimately, this is a national problem which must of necessity be of grave concern to all citizens, for it possesses the potential of opening the door to much wider human rights violations, and further undermining the tenets of good governance – constitutionality and legality; transparency; integrity; credibility and equitable treatment for all. This is our responsibility and must be resolved by Guyanese.
 
Even at this point of vantage it is clear that the year 2010 would be both challenging and associated with a number of serious threats to the welfare and wellbeing of all - members of our union and the Guyanese society.  We must therefore be prepared to dedicate ourselves to acquire a proper understanding of these problems and issues – their origins and nature – and means of addressing and resolving them.
 
It is imperative that all of us set aside the fears that serve to fragment us, and strive for the fulfillment of good governance, a sine qua non to achieve national harmony, broad based development, a fairer society with prospects of prosperity for all. Together these ideals are achievable by us, and in pursuit of our individual goals and aspirations I urge you to contribute to their achievement.
 
I wish you good health, happiness, and personal success in your aspirations throughout 2010.
 
ALUTA CONTINUA!