GPSU objects to polygraph testing of revenue workers

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) says that it has been informed that letters signed by Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur have been issued to select employees informing them of polygraph testing for certain categories.

The union has since written to Sattaur requesting that the letters be withdrawn and also indicated that the matter will be brought to the attention of international institutions which have mandates to secure and protect workers’ rights.

A press release from the GPSU last evening said that the union had condemned the practice last year when CANU workers were polygraphed and subsequently dismissed from the employment of the GRA.

Further the union stated that it will stand firm with regards the use of polygraphing on certain employees of GRA in an attempt to determine whether they are guilty of misconduct.

“This is viewed as a threat to the workforce of the Guyana Revenue Authority and moreso to the workforce of Guyana, since the use of polygraph testing is arbitrary, discriminatory and unlawful.

The Guyana Revenue Authority is advised to conform to established rules, procedures and guidelines to determine whether there is misconduct on the part of any employee and should desist from utilizing unlawful procedures to determine whether an employee is guilty of an offence”, the release stated.

It further pointed out that the conduct of the GRA, is viewed as “unfair and a blatant abuse of the rights of workers”.
The GPSU said that the union would resist attempts by the GRA to subject its membership to such an unlawful and unacceptable act.