Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Ms. Gillian Burton, the first female president of the Guyana Trades Union Congress. I wish her well and hope she continues to build on the positive works of her predecessors. In an exclusive SN Guyana Review “Coming in from the cold” interview (November 28, 2007) readers were given the opportunity to understand Ms. Burton’s thinking and what is to be expected of her three-year presidency. A concern is her constant negative reference to what she described as anger and confrontation within the executive body she heads. Putting aside the departure from ethics, it should be said that anger is a natural part of human pathology. The trade unions are the workers’ watchdog and have throughout the world confronted employers, be it the largest or smallest, when the employer’s agenda conflicts with that of the workers. This is a role of the trade unions.
Given Guyana’s current state anger pervades the society. The level of passivity and apathy among leaders is worrying since they should be militantly confronting the many wrongdoings.
As a citizen, worker, taxpayer, husband and parent I am angry about many things.
As a worker I am angry that in spite of my hard work I do not receive a livable salary. I am angry that the government continues to disregard collective bargaining, imposes wages and salaries, refuses to implement the 1999 Armstrong Award, and cut off the agency shop system. I am angry about the high VAT and the tax threshold remaining the same. I am angry that the government continues to deny the TUC and Critchlow Labour College their subventions. I am angry Ms. Burton ignored the striking public servants shot in 1999 which led to GAWU walking out of the TUC because the TUC called a three-day strike protesting the action of the police. I am angry the TUC- the only legitimate recourse to address workers’ grievances- under the presidency of Ms. Burton seems uncaring.
As a citizen I am angry at being treated unjustly, unfairly and made to feel that I do not belong. I am angry my rights are denied in so many ways; that the government thinks it is OK to disregard the rule of law, stifle freedom of expression and the press; and have a suspect relationship with the underworld.
As a taxpayer I am angry that I have to pay tax and have no representation. I am angry my tax dollars are being wasted, spent only in certain areas, that I have to repay loans for monies wasted and projects improperly completed, and pay the salaries of the many government ministers who do nothing and engage in unbecoming conduct.
As a husband and parent I am angry that after making great sacrifice to acquire university education my income does not allow me to provide adequately for my family and pamper my wife the way she deserves. I am angry that this holiday my family was forced to cut back on many things because VAT ate into our incomes and prices in the markets skyrocketed.
I ask Ms. Burton, as President of the TUC, if she identifies with the workers’ plight, and what she plans to do to confront the situation and change the rising anger?
Yours faithfully,
Martin Roberts
