About 20 Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) company workers, led by the Guyana Postal and Telegraph Workers Union (GPTWU), yesterday protested what was described as “impositions” by the company as it relates to changing employees’ conditions of service.
President of the union Harold Shepherd, in an invited comment yesterday, told Stabroek News that the protest was as a result of GTT’s move to change the conditions of service within the company without first engaging representatives of the union.
He also cited what he said was the company’s general tendency to sidetrack the union when decisions are being made.
Among the issues listed were the merging of the duties of service centre staff with operating service staff which are two separate portfolios; technicians being forced to work overtime because of understaffing without being compensated; and withdrawal of transportation for workers, which became effective May 1. Shepherd said the latter would not have been a problem had the workers been compensated through transportation allowances.
In a statement yesterday in response to the protest, GTT said the company’s leadership has made it clear that they would not be intimidated when it comes to striking a balance between rights and the long-term sustainability of the firm.
“Our employees have the right to voice their issues and concerns; but we are about to commence Collective Labour Agreement discussions and as such we will engage in dialogue when at the bargaining table. GTT will not sway otherwise,” the firm’s Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd was quoted as saying.
He said that GTT cares about its employees and continues to work with them and the union to listen to, and address concerns.
The statement highlighted several actions that the company has undertaken in this regard.
Nedd said that the company’s tagline of ‘Doing more’ applies not only to customers, but to employees as well.
“We are always open to feedback in whatever form, but will continue to act in the best interest of the wider-good and according to the labour laws of the land,” Nedd said.
Shepherd told Stabroek News that the union had cause to report several issues relating to labour which exists within the company, to the Ministry of Labour.
He indicated that a date has already been set for discourse.
