Accusing the PPP/C government of being “autocratic” by imposing a 7% pay hike for public servants, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Friday urged President Irfaan Ali to direct the start of overdue negotiations between his administration and the union on increases of wages, salaries and allowances for 2020 and 2021.
The union made the call in a letter sent to the president following an emergency meeting on the government’s announcement of the increase on Thursday.
In its letter, GPSU said the unilateral imposition of a 7% increase is in conflict with the government’s obligations to act in accordance with the Constitution as well as the Trade Union Recognition Act of 1997. It also accused the government of ignoring the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the legally binding agreement for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes, which was signed by the Union and Public Service Ministry.