[www.inewsguyana.com] – Staffers at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have gone on strike, commencing this morning; forcing the closure of all city markets, the abattoir and other municipal centers.
When iNews visited the Bourda Market around 7:00 hours, some vendors were locked in while others could not gain access to the premises which was guarded by big padlocks on the gates. The situation has riled up vendors who wasted no time in venting their frustration.
The over 250 employees who are members of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) are protesting the failure of the Council to pay them wage and salary increases and other allowances. On Thursday last, the Union had given the M&CC a 48-hour ultimatum threatening “appropriate industrial action.”
Town Clerk Carol Sooba told this news agency that the increases were recommended, several weeks ago, by the Personnel and Training, and the Finance Committees. “But the Mayor and Councilors have held the employees at ransom because they want gratuity and they want increase allowances and duties retroactive to 2012, so they made a decision that if they are not paid that the employees can’t get their increase,” Sooba said.
She declined to comment when asked if she supports the strike but noted that “I can’t stop the Union from protesting because everything was done possible within my power and even the Union President had discussions with the Mayor… it’s a legitimate protest.”
Sooba said no one can be disciplined for locking the gates.
In a letter sent to the Council last week, the Union highlighted the Council’s failure to address the matter. The President said he met with the Mayor, on December 9, and was informed that he was willing to revisit the issue and have the matter of approval for wages and salaries for members of GLGOU.
“However, having submitted our request in writing, the GLGOU was informed that this matter will now be placed on the December 22, 2014 statutory agenda. The GLGOU is not confident that this item will be discussed– as was the issue with two previous meetings where the same promises were made by the councilors but to no avail.”
once hammie greed in politics the scared goats will not touch him will not pray him away..he feels that burnham dead and left country for him just like nagamootto think jagandeadand lef country for him.no good can come of this once hammie grred involves just like granger and greenidge them..these are the men that raped guyana in the past and is doing it all over again .
Hasn’t Hamilton Green, done enough evil to this country? Wasn’t Hamilton Green, one of Burnham, main terrorists? It seems as though people are still afraid of Green, excepting Carol Sooba! Shouldn’t Green, come forward and confess to the Guyanese people, of his involvement of the bombing of Dr. Walter Rodney? I don’t think Guyana will ever get back a Walter Rodney. As for Rupert Roopnarine, he really should tie a mill stone around his neck and jump off the Demerara Harbour bridge, for his betrayal. Shame on you Mr. Rotten Rope!!!!
Old PNC Green, is willing to do anything to hold on to any kind of power. Don’t be fooled we have tons of information about you Green, and the PNC. Shame on you Green!!!! Shame on you for holding on to the Mayor chair. Hey Green when you die Nigel Huges should put a free chair in your cheap coffin. Anyway I leave you in the strong/capable hands of Sooba.