The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) yesterday expressed grave concern over the delay by government in commencing negotiations on increases in wages/salaries and allowances for public service workers, saying it is causing “severe discomfort” and has “incalculable implications” for them and the well-being of their families.
In the meantime, the union has written the government calling for “this issue to be addressed soonest to conclude the negotiations on this very important and sensitive matter,” the GPSU said in a release.
The union also expressed concerns about “the erosion of the purchasing power of public employees in all agencies” and contended that “a matter of such fundamental importance should be addressed immediately to secure adequate increases in wages/salaries and allowances.”
The union stated that it had submitted a multi-year proposal (three years) on June 1, 2007 to the government for increases in wages/salaries for the years 2007-2009, but negotiations were never concluded.
Again on September 9, 2009 proposals were submitted for increases for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The union also submitted a compilation of a basket of necessities which was used as the basis for determining the criteria for the minimum salary for a public service worker.
Consequently, the union represented and reached agreement with the permanent secretary, Office of the President, to commence negotiations for increases in wages/salaries and allowances for 2010 from October 27. Other dates were also scheduled for these negotiations (November 1, 8 and 11) but to date no meeting has been convened, the release stated.
Meanwhile, at the statutory Executive Council meeting of the GPSU at the union’s headquarters on November 13, the matter was discussed and it was clear that the membership throughout the country was of the view that there was no seriousness or urgency demonstrated by the government.
Moreover it was noted that this apparent conduct “undermines the legitimate negotiations that should take place in keeping with the
Agreement for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes between the government and the union.”
The release stated further that this results in the arbitrary imposition of salary/wage awards, normally close to the end of the year, which is also in conflict with the government’s obligation to adhere to relevant ILO Conventions dealing with Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights.
