Dear Editor,
It was instructive, if not disturbing, to note the interaction at the Ministry of Labour regarding a ‘foreign’ recruiting agency’s payment arrangements for local employees – that is among complaints of other perceived discriminatory conditions of employment. Despite the reported amicable conclusion to the discussion, from any distance there remains the perception that the reported experience should, by no means, be regarded as singular. Rather than being a basis for self-congratulations, the exercise should be regarded as a learning experience that stimulates reflection on the need for a more proactive programme for informing new employers of the basic employment requirements they must satisfy in our legal dispensation. Assuming that some of these ‘agencies’ do not necessarily contain a specialist human resources management functionary, it seems not unreasonable for the Ministry concerned to consider constructing a more proactive programme to address similar and other likely deficiencies in employment practices (better observed by our local employers).
For starters, it needs to be confirmed that all the ‘newcomers’ are legally registered organisations. Then, there should be the obvious requirement of their declaring to the Ministry, the general employment conditions offered to Guyanese so that these can be evaluated. An immediate requirement is of course registration with the National Insurance Scheme. But it is not for the undersigned to enlarge on this subject, except to hope that it is seen as logical for the Ministry to initiate the construction of a comprehensive informational (whether hardcopy or online) that advises all expectant employers of the legal requirements to be satisfied in the employment of local staff, and the attendant disciplinary procedures. Not to be overlooked of course is the universal right to union representation. More effective however, would be a creatively designed comprehensive induction programme in which the relevant local expertise, including Unions, would contribute. The programme – up to a week long – will provide opportunity for the respective parties to debate and settle misconceptions about Guyana’s labour environment, health and safety being so immediately critical.
Sincerely,
E.B. John
Organisational Development and Human Resources Management Advisor
