Dear Editor,
Since government granted a $35,000.00 minimum salary across the board for public servants in July 2013, the workers of Corriverton Town Council are still waiting on approval for the payment of the increase of $6,676.00 (some workers would be receiving less) per month for approximately 25 workers.
This matter was taken to the Labour Officer in New Amsterdam by our union (Guyana Labour Union) on several occasions along with officials from the Town Council. Subsequently, a decision was made by all parties involved to pay us from October 2013, instead of July 2013.
This we accepted. The council wrote Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker explaining that it had the ability to pay and that the increase was sustainable.
It should be noted that a number of municipalities were given permission by the Minister of Local Government to pay the increase, while the Corriverton Town Council was given a negative response. We understand that Minister Whittaker indicated that his ministry had been preparing a proposal for Cabinet’s approval since 2013-14.
Several items of correspondence were sent to both Minister Whittaker and the Town Council regarding our issue. Recently one was sent to Minister Whittaker dated March 27, 2015 by the union indicating our frustration and disgust about the overdue increase. Copies of this letter were sent to President Donald Ramotar, the Minister of Labour and Dr Roger Luncheon.
As recently as Wednesday April 8, a meeting was held with all parties involved but excluding the Ministry of Local Government, at the Labour Department in New Amsterdam.
At this meeting, the union agreed to once again to hold the ultimatum for another 7 days which will end on April 15, after which we are ready to strike.
It is our view that this is the only way to communicate with the President directly. We need his intervention; we need his help.
Many questions are going through our minds that have left us wondering, especially why it is that the Minister, Mr Norman Whittaker, is treating the employees of Corriverton Town Council this way.
We have waited for too long. We need our increase urgently.
Yours faithfully,
(Names of 28 signatories provided)
