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?