– Lyte urges unions
`For too long we have allowed the employers, our government, present and past to treat us like second and third-class citizens. We deserve better. Our country is well-positioned with adequate available resources to offer workers more than any other time in our history’
By Abigail Headley
In the aftermath of a four-week strike for collective bargaining and a court decision in the union’s favour, GTU President Mark Lyte yesterday upped the pressure on government for a fair share of the pie and sought solidarity from other sectors.
Speaking at the annual May Day rally, Lyte took the opportunity to highlight struggles for improved working conditions and pay. Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) are still to agree on the way ahead for collective bargaining following the industrial action which has been seen as the most successful since the 1999 public service strike. Justice Sandil Kissoon’s decision has meanwhile said that the strike was legitimate and has prevented the government from deducting pay from strikers.
Addressing the gathering at the GTU Hall on Woolford Avenue, Lyte emphasized the importance of recognizing social inequality among workers from different industries and countries. He stressed the need for trade union leaders to advocate for fair treatment, a fair share of wealth, and social justice alongside decent work for all.
Amid chants of solidarity, Lyte called for the empowerment and mobilization of workers to demand respect from policymakers and politicians, and to raise awareness about ongoing injustices faced by the working class. He paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives to represent the cause of workers in the country, highlighting the importance of collective empowerment and unity in shaping a better future for all workers.
“Some of us have to fight for others because they are too timid to fight for themselves. They are too tied up to fight for themselves. We must fight for all workers in Guyana because we are no longer shackled by the chains of oppression. We live as we say in a free land, we must act free, we must behave free, we must speak freely and we must be able to move freely,” he told the crowd, who cheered him on.
Throughout his speech, Lyte called for action against unfair treatment, advocating for stronger labour laws that protect workers’ rights and hold employers accountable. He also criticized the government for neglecting the needs of workers despite the country’s ample resources, urging for a fair share of wealth to be distributed among all citizens.
“For too long we have allowed the employers, our government, present and past to treat us like second and third-class citizens. We deserve better. Our country is well-positioned with adequate available resources to offer workers more than any other time in our history.
Again, I’d say our country is positioned with adequate resources more than any other time in history to offer workers a better package. Yet we are told by the government there is no space in the budget to pay us a livable wage… I call on all trade unions in Guyana, all trade unions in Guyana, to demand a fair share of the pie for our members. This is not GTU fight. This is a fight for all workers of this country,” he implored.
Echoing the sentiments of Martin Luther King Jr. that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, Lyte urged all trade unions to work together and mobilize towards achieving justice and a better future for workers.
“When GTU down tools, the transportation operators must down tools… the clerks must down tools… the boat operators must down tools. Let us see how the wheels of this country will turn. I tell you; the time is now and not 2027… the wealth generated from the oil industry must not be concentrated in the hands of a few. It must benefit the entire community, [and] the country, especially those who are part of the labour force,” Lyte emphasized.
The GTU President expressed confidence that a future where every worker can enjoy the fruits of their labour is within reach, urging workers to stand united and demand their rightful share in the journey toward a fair and equitable society.
“We must work together; workers, unions, government, and civil society organizations; the church, the mosque, the temple, everywhere everybody must hold hands and say this is affecting our lives, our children… we must engage in dialogue, advocacy, and collective bargaining to bring about meaningful change… The Guyana Teachers’ Union has led the way. Who are the persons with us?” he asked.
Erosion
Meanwhile, in his address to those present at the gathering, Chairman of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Dr Gerald Forde also highlighted the need for collective bargaining rights for public servants and pointed to the erosion of worker rights, and the disregard for labour laws by the government.
Forde further criticized the government for politicizing public service leadership and for ignoring international agreements and constitutional rights. He also called for respect for workers’ rights and urged unity and solidarity among workers to demand fair treatment from the government.
A medical doctor by profession, Forde cited the wage of $4000 that is given to doctors who work on-call for 16 to 24 hours while intern doctors receive no pay for such hours.
Both Lyte and Forde in their addresses also contended that the brain drain is again on the rise due to the wages meted out to public servants. Both leaders noted that hundreds have already left and are currently leaving their homes and families in search of greener pastures in the United States and the United Kingdom.
“The teachers of this country, the moulders of the nation, as we pride ourselves, are now being sought after by a recruiting firm in the UK. And just as how they took away our nurses and our doctors, teachers with at least two years’ experience and as simple as a bachelor’s degree will be leaving for the UK,” Lyte said.
This year’s May Day saw a combined march and rally by members of the GTU, the GPSU, the Guyana Trade Union Congress, the Georgetown Market Vendors Association, among other unions. Though having a late start due to disagreements among the leaders on who should lead the parade, the rally saw a large turnout and energized people on the road and during the speeches.
The theme for this year’s rally was “Galvanizing and Mobilizing for Workers’ Empowerment and Equal Share of Oil Wealth”.
