Already existing tendencies towards an anti-worker posture in some sections of the extractive sector ought to send clear signals to government regarding its obligation to make new arrivals in the oil and gas and gold-mining sectors, particularly, aware of the laws of Guyana that protect workers from abuse and accord them the right to trade union representation.
“I am aware that there are exchanges going on between government and Exxon, for example which, I suppose, is all part of the process of helping to prepare Guyana for the advent of oil exploitation. However, as General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) I am not aware that any allowances have been made up until now for involving the trade union movement in the discourse. I make this point particularly in view of the high risks associated with both the gold mining and oil and gas sectors. Those are sectors in which conditions of work including ensuring a secure safety and health environment ought to be key features of the work environment. The history of oil exploitation across the world tells us that the oil companies are not always overly mindful of the welfare of their workers.”