Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir is calling on workers to take back control of their unions if the leaders are not serving in their best interests.
In a May Day message, the minister declared: “On this May Day, I charge you to take back your movement if those in charge are not serving you or in your best interest.”
Nadir also urged workers to be responsible and to utilize established grievance procedures in settling issues.
And while calling for more unity in the labour movement, he suggested that workers could use the avenue of credit unions and cooperative action to cope with the challenges of rising costs of goods and services.
Emphasising government’s support for workers, the labour minister asserted: “The Government stands firmly with the workers in their efforts to ensure that they are treated fairly by employers and that employers observe at least the minimum standards that the labour laws provide for.”
He also noted that already this year government had raised the minimum wage for several categories of workers provided for in Guyana’s laws. In addition to strengthening the country’s human resource and infrastructure to better serve the workers, the administration shortly will begin a mass media campaign to educate workers and employers about labour legislation.
“We have also earnestly pursued prosecution of employers who disrespect our laws,” Nadir added.
In extending greetings to the workers he also challenged them to take stock of their lot while they continue in their quest for better conditions.
Guyana, he added, has an excellent opportunity to produce and prosper from the current price challenges and the workers can make it happen.