Dear Editor,
The Guyana Public Service Union, after more than two years and two ultimatums that were respectively issued to former Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Brigadier (retired) George Lewis and a notice given to former Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally in accordance with requirements of the Public Utility Undertakings and Public Health Services Arbitration Act, Chapter 54:01, communicated its intention to take industrial action on critical issues, regarding working conditions, occupational safety and health matters and inadequacy of pay for health sector workers, if these longstanding grievance were not resolved. One month’s notice was also given as required by the extant Act.
This intention to take industrial action was thereafter reconsidered because of overtures and commitments from former Ministers Lawrence and Ally to have the matters resolved. This process was subsequently stymied by political developments, namely, the no-confidence motion passed in the Parliament of Guyana, General and Regional Election in March 2020 and later the election fallout between March 3, 2020 and August 1, 2020. The consequences of the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus internationally and in Guyana also negatively affected the process, but compounded the problems and pressures on essential workers, who nonetheless availed the Government with their skills and services.
The GPSU is of the view that in the light of the significance of the developments and in recognition of the essential and important roles being played by essential workers, particularly healthcare workers, their concerns and welfare would be similarly addressed, considering the risk to health and livelihood. This not being the case, these frontline health sector workers with the full support of the Union had to resort to reinstating the ultimatums and protest action.
Two responses from the administration. One from the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall claimed that the Union’s action was illegal and contained a series of threats that were ignored given that the ultimatum was properly given and in accordance with the laws. The other response was considered more responsible and enlightening from the President, who sent Dr. Westford, former Minister of Public Service to engage the GPSU. This was interpreted as an approach in good faith, notwithstanding what appeared to be a mixed public expression by President Ali.
The GPSU entertained it and Dr. Westford’s involvement was considered professional and objective and together with Ms Gardener, 1st Vice President of GPSU agreed to an approach to commence an evaluation of the prevailing situation, which was considered necessary to moving forward. After the conclusion of that exercise reports were submitted to both sides. The Union was advised that $150 Million was allocated in the National Budget to meet the payment of allowances for all health sector workers in the country. This was very disheartening when it was publicly known that before the Budget was even completed $600 Million from the public treasury was made available to GUYSUCO. And in the current budget $135 Million was identified for repainting State House. It was also alleged that $30 Billion was allocated to pay debts left by the previous administration and a series of mundane expenditures.
The Union’s position was that adequate funds must be made available immediately to address the frontline workers’ concerns, given that there was an indication that the rapport which existed when consideration was given to suspend the protest action had evaporated. The GPSU was adamant that the much needed financial relief should be made to these frontline workers and there was opportunity for Government to respond in a reasonable and urgent manner to resolve this fully merited compensation/ reward/ benefit/relief.
Up the time of the preparation of this statement there was still indecisiveness and no financial relief has so far been made to the workers, while they have honoured their commitment by suspending the protest action and giving full attention to providing essential quality health care at grave risk to themselves and families. Several of them in the process being infected. The response from the Government is so far insensitive and unconscionable.
The Union would like the Government to know that the laws of Guyana clearly legitimize labour rights and ILO Conventions that were ratified by Parliament and are in force obligates Government to respect labour and collective bargaining rights. For decades all Governments in Guyana, thus far, failed to properly lead by the dictates of those laws and conventions, while the workers suffered at will.
All these instruments that the government is obligated to act in conformity with are being honoured in the breach and abused. The Attorney General should enlighten himself about labour constitutional and legal rights, as it appears some deficiency exists.
Because the GPSU was dissatisfied with the lack of urgency in dealing fully with this merited and important matter it has written to President Ali outlining its proposals for urgent consideration and implementation.
The GPSU would therefore like to make it very clear that these frontline healthcare workers are the most valuable human resource currently in Guyana and must be valued and treated, accordingly. The Union is also calling on all frontline workers to be in a state of readiness to stand up for their rights and not to engage in anything that put themselves at risk. The Union has confidence that they are competent to consider what is dangerous to their life and that of their families and where such a situation exists to work to rule until further advice.
Yours faithfully,
Indira Thakurdin
For GPSU
