Guyana is on a path of immense economic growth, with the country even recently being reclassified as a high-income country. We’ve come a long way from when the sentence most associated with us in international dialogues was, “Guyana, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.” While our economy has been expanding, however, with the need for a diversified and growing labour market, labour rights within the workplace do not seem to be on an upward trajectory.
There needs to be more oversight, especially in developing industries related to Oil & Gas as there are often reports of unsafe working environments and overwork that significantly impact workers’ health. The argument is often made that those within O&G knew what they signed up for and their pay packages make up for that. This type of uncaring economic stance towards workers’ lives should not be the standard for any industry. The well-being of a nation is inexorably linked to the well-being of its workforce, making it essential to prioritize fair treatment, safety, and adequate compensation for workers across all industries. One of the most significant advantages of protecting workers’ rights is its potential to reduce income inequality. By guaranteeing fair wages and prohibiting discriminatory practices, the wealth disparity between employees and employers can be narrowed. This redistribution of wealth can lead to increased consumer spending and a more balanced and inclusive society. However, businesses and leaders in Guyana have a very paternalistic view of workers, often believing that if they give them more money they will not do good things with it. How is it any concern of the rich and middle class how those in precarious working environments spend their money?
While investors often seek stability and predictability, and a robust labour framework can offer them precisely that, in Guyana, one cannot help but feel sometimes that many investors are looking for a lax regulatory environment in which they can maximize profit and curb worker investment. Outside of international interest, however, Guyana’s labour market has never been a mecca for workers’ rights. Many well-known businesses from private security firms, malls and food establishments have anti-worker policies, creating a hostile and unsafe environment. Workers are often expected to work overtime but are not paid, with the excuse often being given that the struggle needs to be a part of workers’ learning experience. It is also quite common for them to be asked to sign problematic contracts or face dismissal. These practices are unfortunately rampant and workers gain very little recourse. While the Guyana Labour Bureau has mechanisms in place to support and advocate for workers’ rights, for the rich and well-connected, accountability is a rare thing.
Enforcement of relevant labour laws is often lacking and inconsistent, leading to widespread labour rights violations. A common issue that often pops up is the lack of social security benefits for workers, especially those who might be new to the workforce. There are reported cases of workers working their entire lives but being unable to collect their pensions seamlessly as the employers never made those payments. Workers can of course contest this and provide their evidence of the years worked, but they really shouldn’t have to do that. There are even more challenges for those who work in the informal economy who are extremely vulnerable to exploitation, and who are often taken advantage of due to their precarious employment status.
The prosperity of Guyana is intrinsically tied to the welfare of its workers. By embracing fair labour practices, improving workplace safety, and promoting equitable treatment, Guyana can move towards finally creating a reality of safe and equitable work environments. It is even more crucial now as Guyana’s landscape expands with international and regional players for more focus to be placed on workers’ rights.
