Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) President Patrick Yarde has pledged to consider seriously proposals to be adopted next year in the light of the difficulties challenging members in providing for their families.

In a press release Yarde said he is cognisant of the fact that over time most persons have been challenged to celebrate Christmas in the traditional Guyanese manner. “…I urge you to be positive and open-minded and once more to reflect objectively on your experiences and circumstances over the last decade and more particularly on the events (national, regional and international) of year 2009 as they relate to governance in Guyana,” he said.

Yarde also called on members to view the erosion of labour rights and previously accepted and established industrial relations laws and practices as serious violations.

He said these undesirable developments threaten to undermine “the legacy which you had inherited and may not be able to bequeath to your children and grandchildren.” The GPSU head added that observers of the industrial scene in Guyana must be concerned at the increasing tendency to interpret developments in this area as having political and racial connotations. However, despite this he urged members to continue to strive for national unity and harmony and pledged to consider carefully suggestions and proposals to be adopted in 2010.