Mr. Patrick Yarde - President

Reflecting on the theme of my New Year’s message for 2010 which was - “The Struggle for the Restoration of Labour Rights Nationally” and, reflecting on the content of that message, it is clear that the struggle continues. On that occasion I stated that 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 year 2010 has just receded but the struggle for the rights and just rewards for workers will intensify, as we now enter a year which the Union believes can become a defining moment in our country’s young history – one in which our citizens decide to stem the slide into indecency, chaos and undemocratic rule to renewed hope and a shared vision of unity, balanced growth and a prosperous future. This cherished dream should be a strong reason why we, the citizens of Guyana, should make 2011 a year of reflective thought about our lives; about the character of our society, our system of governance; the role of the state, its position and direction; and, more importantly, our concept of our own and our families’ existence. No greater gift will have been presented to us if, as a result of such studied thought, which is backed by decisive action, the new year brings the desired changes for which we hunger.

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 from joining 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.

One thing of fundamental importance is that our society has to stop being indifferent to what happens around us; or to the face of our country, of its development, of our welfare. We must not think only about having a fine house of our own, but also about that which surrounds it; we should not defend solely the interests of our own, we must also pay regard to the interests of others around us. In short, we must tangibly become our brother’s keeper, especially in fundamental areas such as human rights, the rule of law and justice.

As a society, we have remained passive as the poor and vulnerable, including a substantial body of public servants wage an unending battle for daily subsistence. At the same time, a rise in rude and crude behavior in both public life and the economy has been characterized by a special kind of animosity, ill will, egoism, disrespect for legal and moral rules, greed, skepticism, maybe even cynicism. Many people have ceased to have faith in those in authority, as they watch their primary concerns disregarded, their representatives disrespected, and the basic rights and principles that govern our society eroded. The disinterest and feeling of apathy by a large segment of the population is not misplaced; it is symptomatic of the growing ills with which we contend.

The GPSU addressed many key matters over the past year for which little or no real results were realized. Among the issues were: the unsatisfactory administration and performance of the Public Service Commission and its negative impact on senior functionaries throughout the system; the absence of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal which is the Constitutional body for which petitions against unfair and irregular treatment of Public Service Workers are adjudicated; and the unreasonable and continued arbitrary imposition of wages/ salaries to public servants in December 2010.

Further, it must be noted that despite the Union’s unwavering efforts to be pro-active in addressing issues of improved livelihoods for its members and citizens generally, the state authorities gave little effect to the fulfillment of their social commitments. International commitments, particularly ILO Agreements, have also been overlooked.

The GPSU insists that labour relations in Guyana need to be conducted with civility, with trade unions playing a vital part in that process. It has to move from the current one-sided approach, in which the Government, as the principal employer, adopts an uncompromising and inflexible stance, to one of mutual respect and cooperation so as to advance the working conditions and general welfare of workers, who are recognized as the country’s most precious asset but who are too often treated as handmaidens. There has to be very productive dialogue between the state authorities and trade unions in our country, as well as constructive relationships more generally. Likewise, there has to be the enlightened view by authorities, that this is a good thing, because this is what characterizes a responsible social partnership. This ideal should be appreciated and developed.

This partnership was especially necessary and important in the past year but in my view was not treated in good faith. However, looking towards the future, the GPSU believes that if the standard of active involvement of all parties is maintained and efforts are consolidated we would succeed in reducing the impact of the economic hardship faced by our members and, more importantly, increase employment in 2011. As a responsible union and member of civil society, the GPSU pledges to do its part, to negotiate in good faith, and be a partner in growing the economy so that our constituents can benefit. We are not, however, prepared to be sidelined nor advocate for improved conditions indefinitely while state authorities continue to trample upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. In 2011, the Union resolves to vigorously engage the authorities for better wages/salaries and allowances, and attainment of overall dignified standards of living for our members.

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.

y wish is for 2011 to be the ‘Year of the Breakthrough’ when workers are restored to their rightful place of respectability in the society. May every Guyanese enjoy personal success and advancement in an atmosphere of unity and peace!

ALUTA CONTINUA!