-GPSU urges Jagdeo
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is expressing displeasure at what it calls the “procrastination” of the Government of Guyana in dealing with increases in remuneration for public sector workers, and the organization has written to President Bharrat Jagdeo to this effect.
According to a release from the body, it has once again written to President Jagdeo on the subject as it relates to salaries, wages and allowances which, the body states, requires urgent attention in light of the severe economic hardship being experienced by workers, noting that this is apart from the fact that such increases are deserving and merited.
The GPSU stated that on June 1, 2007, the body had submitted proposals to the administration for increases in salaries, wages and allowances for this year, by way of letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry (PSM). The body said that this was in keeping with procedures in the Memorandum of Agreement between the GPSU and the PSM for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes, which it notes, is legally binding.
The GPSU states that the “procrastination” by the Government of Guyana is in conflict with the timeframe set out by the agreement and “is clearly a display of bad faith in addressing the matter”. The release went on to state that the GPSU had adverted to various approaches and communication with the administration and its agencies for urgent action to be taken, starting with a letter addressed to Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on March 26 this year.
The release stated that the initial approach was considered by the Executive Council of the GPSU and action was taken after the 2009 estimates of income and expenditures (Budget) were passed by Parliament on February 26, noting that the 2009 Estimates of Expenditure included an allocation of more than $2B for public servants’ wages and salaries.
The GPSU noted that in the March correspondence sent to the Finance Minister, and another sent subsequently on May 25 to the President, the union called on the administration to make an interim payment, since the allocated funds were already approved by Parliament and only required the authorization of the President or Cabinet.
The release stated that to date, some seven months after the approval of the allocated funds of over $2B, no positive steps have been taken to appropriate the funds in consonance with the intention of Parliament.
The GPSU states that it views “this attitude as insensitive, uncaring and unconscionable”, and the body has therefore approached the President once more to have the issue resolved expeditiously in full recognition of the plight of workers.
