The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) today chastised two government ministers for an early sign of “intolerance” which culminated yesterday in the head of the child protection agency Ann Greene being sent on leave.
The GTUC press release follows:
The issue surrounding Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) Ann Greene being arbitrarily sent on leave for allegedly having an exchange of words with Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes is an early sign of intolerance and an inability to adequately respond to and resolve industrial conflict in the Ministry of Social Protection headed by Ms Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry Ms Simona Broomes.
This recent development raises serious concerns in the GTUC over the nature of the industrial environment that will be cultivated. Whereas it is important that functional superiors show authority this must be exercised judiciously respecting the rights of each employee to due process which includes the right to defence.
GTUC takes this opportunity to remind the Honourable Ministers that it is less than three weeks since they were on the campaign trail promising to be different and offering themselves as a better alternative to the previous government. They are reminded that better practices are not limited to areas of corruption and marginalisation but also to the ability to manage industrial practices. As a result, Ministers are reminded that their actions determine how persons perceive their ability to exercise stewardship of the ministry under their portfolio and may unfortunately result in an unfair labelling of the entire new administration.
Of further concern is that an ill managed industrial climate and poor relations are likely to impact the quality of service provided by this Ministry. To ensure that the campaign promises are not mere lip service these new ministers must deliver on their commitments and that of their government to respect the rights of all Guyanese. GTUC urges tempering of arrogance since such only conveys newness or disregard for others perceived on a lesser level of authority.
The GTUC over the last couple of hours understands that Ms. Lawence has responsibility for Labour and therefore any action of hers inimical to the best interest of preserving workers’ rights and due process are seen as ominous since this Minister will have to enter into bargaining and negotiations with labour organisations and will have to conciliate/arbitrate disputes and grievances. This requires skills, tolerance and an ability to hammer out positions that will result in fair resolve of issues.
Workers of this country are looking to this new government for change that will see their rights upheld. Indiscriminate practices by the political directorate of the coalition will not be given a pass for where such behaviours were considered wrong under the PPP they cannot now be acceptable under the APNU+AFC.
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