| The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has warned that despite its challenges and the double standards in the country’s labour system, its foundation remains sound and intact.The union made the assertions in a message to celebrate its 88th anniversary.GPSU maintained that the sound and stable labour relations form the basis for Guyanese economic and social development, and therefore while the union has made endless efforts to stabilise relations with the government, this feature remains a sore thumb.“Particularly in recent years, the environment surrounding labour and management has been deteriorating drastically, with less agreements and more disregard for the governing principles of labour.”In order to deal adequately with such changes in social, economic and political conditions, GPSU said that it is necessary for both labour bodies and government to first recognise their responsibilities and obligations to workers and then work towards settling disagreements through dialogue, based on a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. That achieved, action towards new and improved conditions becomes less onerous.The union said that it is being challenged to uphold free collective bargaining, security of tenure, fair and equitable treatment for all workers, guarantee of due process,Cheap Shoes Uk, a living wage, adequate and realistic allowances, guarantee for conditions of work and benefits that were negotiated and/or implemented and a work environment free from political and racial discrimination.“The union often encounters so much double standards and is challenged in its defence for workers rights, but despite the many difficulties and injustices we suffer, our foundation is sound and intact.”Looking ahead, GPSU anticipates that its relationship with employers and the government at large will improve for the good of the nation.“In particular, the union is concerned with labour rights protection which is being undermined as workers are seeing permanent, regular jobs being replaced by contract labour and temporary, unstable work.”According to the union, these workers are subject to unstable employment, lower wages and more precarious working conditions. The union will heighten its efforts to make those workers aware of their right to fair conditions of service and also their right to be protected.“Ultimately, the goal of the union is to empower and urge as many workers as possible to embrace their rights as human beings first and then pay closer attention to their rights as workers. Rights which include job safety, free collective bargaining, equal pay for work of equal value and a healthy, safe environment free from racism, sexism and discrimination.” |
