– Lyte urges unions
`For too long we have allowed the employers, our government, present and past to treat us like second and third-class citizens. We deserve better. Our country is well-positioned with adequate available resources to offer workers more than any other time in our history’
By Abigail Headley
In the aftermath of a four-week strike for collective bargaining and a court decision in the union’s favour, GTU President Mark Lyte yesterday upped the pressure on government for a fair share of the pie and sought solidarity from other sectors.
Speaking at the annual May Day rally, Lyte took the opportunity to highlight struggles for improved working conditions and pay. Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) are still to agree on the way ahead for collective bargaining following the industrial action which has been seen as the most successful since the 1999 public service strike. Justice Sandil Kissoon’s decision has meanwhile said that the strike was legitimate and has prevented the government from deducting pay from strikers.