The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the largest trade union umbrella body, on Friday voiced its concern over some companies making employment opportunities contingent on recruits being vaccinated against COVID-19.
In a press release, FITUG noted that it has learnt of this issue of private sector enterprises denying work opportunities based on COVID-19 vaccine status, although it did not indicate how widespread the situation appears to be.
It further stated that it is supportive of employers encouraging workers to be inoculated and has even been encouraging members of the union to do the same. However, it added that it does not support entities denying workers opportunities for making a personal choice. “Though supportive of efforts for all Guyanese to be vaccinated, the FITUG draws the line where workers are apparently denied work for making a personal choice,” the press release said.
The umbrella body noted that these actions run counter the current vaccination programme while adding that education should be the main focus instead of making vaccination compulsory.
It was previously stated by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony that the government supports businesses “encouraging” staff to become vaccinated even as it was noted that the government’s position remains that it would not make inoculation mandatory.
The union further added, “The FITUG reminds that the Guyana Government and in fact no country globally has made it mandatory for citizens to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Therefore, we find it disconcerting that it is touted that some employers have decided to take it upon themselves to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for their employees.
Further, FITUG called for these practices, if they exist, to be abandoned. It added that the union is open to collaborating to advance the rollout of vaccines in a way that is respectful to citizen’s rights and choices.
