The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) yesterday signed a collective labour agreement that will see over 70 per cent of GPL employees receiving a seven per cent salary increase.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) said that the signing ceremony was guided by Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine, and the management of both organisations at the Labour Ministry’s Boardroom.
NAACIE’s General Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar said, in addition to the increase in the actual salary, the agreement covers several other incentives including improvements in allowances.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Renford Homer, told DPI that the negotiation process was not without its challenges.
However, he said both parties have managed to arrive at an amicable agreement.
“I think the negotiation leading up to where we are today was one that embraces professional maturity and mutual respect,” he said.
He stressed that despite the financial difficulties GPL has been facing, the company manages to take into consideration the needs of its employees.
“The board of directors and management of GPL, notwithstanding that challenge, recognises the need to take into consideration the desires and expectations, to some extent, of employees, and tried its best to make an offer. It is one that was considered affordable and palatable,” Homer added.
He said that another cycle of negotiations will commence soon.
GPL’s Human Resources Divisional Director, Bal Parsaud and NAACIE’s General President, Whitney Graham were also in attendance at the signing.
