The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) yesterday voiced disappointment at the delay in implementation of the $60,000 minimum wage even though the Ministry of Labour’s National Tripartite Committee (NTC) has agreed to the hike from the current $44,200.
FITUG’s Treasurer and President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union, Seepaul Narine said that with the recent hike in prices, the labour movement is cognisant that even the higher proposed minimum wage might need upward adjustment.
“It is our considered view that it is very difficult for any worker to survive on the current minimum wage. At this time, the current minimum wage when adjusted for inflation is worth less than $39,000 monthly and, therefore, the proposed $60,000 may require further reconsideration for higher adjustment,” the trade unionist said in his address to hundreds at the National Insurance Scheme Ground on Carifesta Avenue even as the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) held a separate rally.
Narine said that according to official statistics, the cost of food jumped by 11.7 percent in 2021. Since then, he said that the situation has been exacerbated arising from the ongoing global occurrences.
“We are conscious that the situation is not isolated but is of a global nature. In addressing the cost-of-living, we acknowledge the efforts to alleviate the hikes consumers are confronting. The provision of grants and other direct support to vulnerable groups would have assisted to stem the challenges. We recognize too fiscal measures to reduce duties payable on imported commodities. This measure undoubtedly is well-intentioned, but we believe (it) is not reaching the ordinary people”, he asserted.
It has been more than two years since government, labour and the private sector have been discussing the minimum wage.
“Comrades, we are disappointed that Labour Day 2022 has arrived and the National Minimum Wage remains $44,200 monthly. We had anticipated that by this time that the new minimum wage of $60,000 per month, which enjoys the support of the social partners, would have been implemented”, Narine said.
FITUG’s President, Carvil Duncan, in his address also shared his dissatisfaction over the delay in the implementation of the new minimum wage.
He called on companies which have the ability to pay and sustain the payment to move forward and pay employees the new rate.
“I am pleading for those workers some of them are members of a trade union that is part of the federation, that something be done to make the $60,000 a reality, knowing that the real wages of these workers cannot sustain themselves and families,” Duncan said in his address.
A release from the Ministry in January this year said that its NTC had met and the national minimum wage was discussed. The release said that it was “unanimously agreed that it to be moved to $60,000 GYD. With the trade unions and private sector both giving their blessings, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton will take the recommendation to the Cabinet for deliberations”.
Yesterday, the major trade unions held separate rallies instead of a unified one as they did up to 2019.
Regret
In his address, Narine said “We regret that our 2022 May Day observances were not united. This has always been a desire of the Federation. We remain committed to the unity of the labour movement; however, unity must come on the basis of principle and respect aimed at genuine representation of the working people.”
The GTUC did not offer an explanation on the decision to host a separate rally.
Narine in his address highlighted challenges in the workforce, stating that in the treatment meted out to workers by some employers cannot be tolerated. He said that some sections of the Guyanese working-class continue to endure exploitative practices at their workplace as their rights are disrespected and fundamental principles violated.
“There are workers who do not get overtime in spite of working beyond the normal working hours. Some are denied personal protective equipment as agencies do not cater for such costs. And, there are those whose NIS contributions are deducted but the Scheme has no contributions for them,” he highlighted.
Narine went on to state that as unions championing equality for workers, they must resolve the issues between Guyanese and foreign employees.
He also told the Guyanese workforce that their attitude towards work must change in order to win and be competitive in the work place.
“Foreign labour is also being promoted … against the background of a labour shortage within Guyana. We contend improved conditions and pay to our Guyanese workers may well be the answer. Nonetheless this situation is a wake-up call for my Guyanese brothers and sisters. We have to change our work ethics to win the competitive edge in the work market,” the GAWU president stressed.
The FITUG executive recommended that before the country moves to recruit foreign labour, it encourages a comprehensive examination in collaboration with several agencies to ensure the employment of qualified locals.
“Despite the adversity, we can overcome. We are certain as was demonstrated in the past, that only genuine trade unions with workers’ support can bring exploitative workplace practices to an end. For those not present here, listening to me, let me be clear, you have to join a union, a genuine union,” he championed.
Zeroed in
Narine zeroed in on one of the major challenges unions are facing at the moment – recruitment agencies.
“We remain concerned about the rising trend of agency employment that is creating an arm’s length relationship between workers and their workplaces. It has brought, in our view, greater unpredictability and precariousness to the world of work. At this time, several important questions have been asked but answers are not forthcoming. Undoubtedly, some focused attention is needed given the expansion of such relations,” he posited.
Additionally, the union representative lauded the administration’s drive to generate jobs in the non-sugar ventures.
“In recent weeks, we have recognised that several of the industry’s assets have been identified for non-sugar ventures. We are conscious that the Government is seeking to generate employment for the thousands who were sent home. This is indeed laudable and the workers and their organizations must be involved in the process. This is critical in ensuring that decent jobs are created”, Narine said.
This was an apparent reference to the deal struck by NICIL with a local machining shop to transform the sugar packaging plant at Enmore. Acres of sugar lands have also been sold or leased to the local company in a joint venture with a US entity. Details of this transaction remain secret.
Citing the massive projections for growth in the economy from oil, Narine sounded a note of caution about reliance on one sector.
“Given the immense challenges our nation has confronted, we are heartened by such developments. We however are cognizant that the expansion recorded and anticipated is linked to the activities within one sector. At this time, the world is replete of examples of nation’s placing their eggs in one basket and the consequences of such direction. We are mindful of the efforts of the Administration to seek to ensure that development is broad-based and that our people lives are bettered. Along these lines we recognize substantial investment in infrastructure, the nurturing of the private sector, and development of new economic sectors. These could address some of the challenges that rapid economic expansion may bring. It may also assist in diversifying our economy placing us on a stronger footing”, Narine said.
He also urged that special emphasis be placed on vulnerable and poorer sections of the society to minimize inequality and reduce poverty.
“We believe it may be worthwhile to explore other initiatives to support poorer families to ensure they are not left out from the rapid development”, he said.
In what will be seen as a rebuke of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Narine said: “Comrades we observe that the world peace remains under severe threat. Ongoing conflicts in our world have the potential of leading to a new World War which could give rise to the use of nuclear weapons. We wish to add our voice to the call for World Peace and respect for (countries’) sovereignty”.
