The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has condemned the actions of public transportation operators, who since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Guyana, have been discriminating against healthcare workers.
In a press release yesterday, the GPSU said that the executive council of the Union is offended by the attitude displayed by some operators of public transportation in the country to healthcare workers, more specifically nurses. The union noted that since the virus has been declared a global pandemic, healthcare workers have been on the frontline battling the contagion and as such assistance should be given to ensure that they arrive at work on time to provide the relevant services that they do.
“The service these workers provide is priceless and they should be commended and every effort should be made by the public to display appreciation for the work they do, to encourage and motivate them to make their lives comfortable,” the release said. It further stated that minibuses serve as a vital part of the public transportation system and a number of workers depend on the minibuses to get to work on time and to get home.
Though the union acknowledged the right of every individual to ensure persons in close proximity observe certain health protocols, it noted that if there is a concern by the operators of public transportation, it is suggested that they implement appropriate systems considered practicable. According to the release, “A dispenser with hand sanitizer is not too much to ask,” adding that to deny healthcare workers access to the minibuses is “absurd, unlawful, completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated.”
It further declared that as licensed operators, there should be no discrimination and all passengers should be treated equally and acts of discrimination should be dealt with by the law. The union urged healthcare workers to record the registration number of any vehicle that denies them the right to join the vehicle and forward the information to the GPSU for action to be taken.
