Dear Editor,
Permit me to comment on Mr. Louis Holder’s article titled: `Labour markets should be allowed to work without restrictions’ which appeared in the March 14 edition. Let me say that comparing Guyana with the US is like comparing apples to oranges.
As pointed out in the article, the benefits gained from unionization in most of the free word during the industrial revolution, is primarily responsible for the increased living standards we enjoy today. The same cannot be said of Guyana, as most of the gains made from the 50’s to the 80’s in Guyana, have all but eroded. This can be explained by the lack of leadership which exists in the majority of labour unions in Guyana today. The leaders seem more interested in feathering their beds, than proper representation of the members they are supposed to represent, or the “me factor” which seems to have taken over Guyana where an individual is willing to accept a contract wage rather than wages which are part of a benefit package. Because of the low wages and poor working conditions the majority of workers in Guyana can be considered working poor, as their wages do not allow them to improve their economic situation, which is part of what union representation is supposed to do. Lack of safety and protective equipment are other areas that seem to be absent from the working environment.
The situation between NAACIE and GPL, which was mentioned in the letter, should not have been allowed to go on as long as it did, as workers were allowed to work basically without a contract for several years, even though there was a recognized union to represent them. But because of the loose manner in which regulations which are supposed to protect employees are enforced in Guyana, this situation was allowed to languish for several years.
The wages paid to employees based on union/management negotiations is primarily based on the financial health of the organization, so to say that wages were kept artificially high because of the union, I do not believe is a valid argument. An organization would only pay wages if the skills paid for, is beneficial to the bottom line of that organization.
So for labour markets to work without unions, regulations have to be passed and enforced which makes the work place a more equitable place for both the employer and the employee. Guyana is a far way from making this a reality. Every employee in Guyana today needs to belong to a strong union which can represent their best interest, as without this, the situation is hopeless.
Yours faithfully
(Name and address supplied)
