GPSU restates call for all health workers to be classified as frontline staff, paid risk allowance

As part of the ongoing negotiations between Government and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) regarding disaffected health workers, the union is restating that all health workers be classified as ‘Frontline Workers’ and be paid a risk allowance.

A release from the GPSU today, informed that an investigative team comprising representatives of the government and the union has so far visited health care facilities within regions 3, 5, 6, 10, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The team met with all categories of frontline health care workers and management representatives at each facility.

These joint visits are part of a two-week period for negotiations on the risk allowance and associated matters after nurses at the GPHC had threatened last week to go on strike.

The GPSU said that during the joint meetings, a number of issues were raised by the health care workers ranging from inadequate provision of personal protective equipment to non-payment of risk allowances for working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the release, there was general support from the health workers that all categories of health workers must be classified as frontline workers and also must be paid a risk allowance, since the nature of their work requires that all categories of health care workers come into contact with COVID-19 patients, knowingly, or unknowingly, while performing their duties. It reasoned that attendants would be the first line of contact in the chain of events leading up to the patient’s eventual testing and subsequent admission to the COVID-19 Unit where the doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff  will continue to provide further supportive care.

In light of this reasoning, the GPSU reiterates its call for all health care workers to be classified as ‘Frontline Workers’ and be paid risk allowances. It further stated that it is pleased with the investigating team’s interaction so far with the health care workers and the attendant positive outcomes. It also views the exercise as “very enlightening and encouraging,” and anticipates more candid discussions at other health care facilities.

The GPSU says it is anticipating an “urgent and positive” response from the Government as it relates to the payment of the risk allowances to the “hard working” health care workers. “The GPSU also regards all other work-related issues as equally important and commits to the pursuit of a favourable resolution to these issues in a timely manner.”

The Union commended the conduct, discipline and professionalism, of its members in representing their issues to the investigative team, the release added.

The health workers are demanding improved working conditions and remuneration including the payment of risk allowance to all workers in the sector.