| Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul, has stated that he will not shirk his responsibility as Minister to the working people of Guyana. He promised better collaboration with Trade Unions to ensure that workers rights are not trampled upon.In his remarks at the Guyana Trade Union Congress Hall, Woolford Avenue, Minister Gopaul told the gathering that his Ministry is open to suggestions from all labour movements.A section of the gathering at the Guyana Trade Union Congress rally.“I will be your Minister, the Minister for all workers and I will work towards ensuring that we have a level playing field. I will listen to the representation of workers irrespective of political views; at the end of the day workers interest must not be compromised,” Minister Gopaul stressed.He also reiterated the call by Opposition Leader David Granger for leaders of Trade Unions to put their differences aside and work towards harmonizing the Unions as there is much more that can be achieved in unity.“The government will have to be on its heels and advocates of labour will have to ensure that they put the pressure on to ensure that the working people benefit and that their concerns are address.”Gopaul said that since he took up office he is pleased with what he has achieved with his colleagues of the labour movement and more so,Cheap Jerseys Outlet, he is pleased with the support he has received.“What we have achieved and all that has happened is as a result of the input from the labour movements— both GTUC and FITUG,” he added.The Labour Minister said that he is aware that workers in every sector have problems and that the problems have to be resolved only through a strong and united effort by all involved.“I am not happy when workers rights are being trampled upon and we have seen many cases over the past few months, of workers being dismissed without benefits and we had to intervene. We brought millions of dollars of benefits to these workers but this is only a fraction of cases of exploitation.”Gopaul said that a strong movement can ensure good representation for workers at all levels.Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul.Opposition Leader, David Granger, expressed greetings from the combined parties that make up the APNU.“The month of May brings rain and it also brings agony because it’s the month after budget so sometimes we look forward to May 1, hoping that we will celebrate the arrival of goodies but the goodies didn’t come since.”Granger said that while there was a budget it was one he deemed a cardboard budget painted to look like concrete.“It contained nothing for poor people, working people; nothing for young people. The Opposition asked for an across the board increase for public servants and didn’t get it. We asked for the reduction or removal of VAT, poverty reduction programme, job creation for young people, $15,000 for old age pension, but we got nothing.”The Opposition Leader noted that all the working sectors have issues that need to be addressed as it is very evident during almost every sitting of the National Assembly with protest action.Granger added that despite the investments by foreign companies there are thousands of young Guyanese men and women who are seeking employment and are forced to migrate to seek same.“Every day we see the American, Canadian, Russians and Chinese. We welcome investment; we welcome protection for our workers and the guests must not abuse our hospitality, our legislation.“We will stand behind the Trade Union and labour movement to ensure our workers are protected,” Granger said.Granger further called on the gathering not to slacken on the struggle for better working conditions, better wages and all that they deserve as workers contributing to the building of this nation.Leader of the Opposition David Granger.He however noted that while it seems as if the rally over the years is getting smaller, this should not be the case.“This march is to show solidarity and this is our way of keeping up the fight which was started a century ago by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. It must continue.”The Opposition Leader also stressed the need for more youths to get involved in Trade Union work. |
