Public Service Union threatens industrial action

By Tracey Khan Drakes

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) today (Wednesday September 10), expressed disgust at what it deemed government’s insensitivity in dealing with the concerns, hardship and economic difficulties being experienced by public sector workers.

The Union’s President, Patrick Yarde said Government has failed to address adequately remuneration for public sector workers and other conditions of service including security of tenure and the observance of due process in dealing with matters.

“Since May 2013 the GPSU proposals were submitted to the Public Service Ministry for wages, salaries and allowances for the period 2013-2015. Notwithstanding commitments that were given to the Union by officials of the government,” Yarde said.

However, three months ago the Union heard from the Permanent Secretary of the of the Public Service by way of a correspondence which according to Yarde stated that, “The Public Service Ministry is currently engaging the Ministry of Finance on modalities regarding the issues of salary negotiations for public servants.”

The union has not been able to meet with the Ministry since then to negotiate any increase which is in breach of the agreement for the avoidance and settlement of disputes between the GPSU and the Government which requires the two parties to meet without unreasonable delays. “There is a mandatory then days’ deadline to meet after the receipt of such a request which is specifically stated in existing legally binding agreement.”

The GPSU was again forced to write to the Permanent Secretary expressing its disgust with this “unacceptable conduct.”

The Union Head said they have also “dispatched memorandums to its membership to mobilize and discuss for  eventual determination forms of industrial actions that should be pursued to effectively bring about a more responsible, reasonable and respectful; response from the Government of Guyana.”