GTUC reacts to Budget 2015

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in its preliminary glance at the 2015 Budget says it has taken note of the increase in minimum wage, the promised appointment of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the establishment of an Industrial Tribunal.

A statement noted that the “GTUC has continuously fought for the return of the State grants to itself and the Critchlow Labour College and these only happened after collateral damage where the Jagdeo and Ramotar governments had to put out of office. GTUC looks forward to the restoration of the Women Advisory Council’s grant in 2016.”

The 2015 budget provides for an $11M subsidy for Trade Unions in Guyana. According to the GTUC, it had proposed to the Minister of Finance for a $55, 000 minimum wages, but although $50, 000 has been budgeted, it expects forward movement as the government commences collective bargaining with the public sectors unions.

“GTUC takes note of the absence of attention being given to the Cooperative sector in the Budget. This nation is reminded that the country is named the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and this was not done by accident but out of recognition and acknowledgement of the role cooperative has played in this nation’s historical development. Cooperative is a pillar of our tri-sector economy and deserving attention must be given to it,” the statement noted.

According to the Union, the attention paid to put systems in place to activate constitutional commissions is a commendable step in pursuit of good governance and GTUC expects these programmes to be implemented soonest.

“Guyana is a nation of laws and Guyanese must return to a state where the rule of law takes precedence in pursuit of creating a just society.”