The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has maintained its call for a 25 per cent increase in wages and salaries for public servants this year. The union also declared that it is prepared to initiate any form of industrial action if the demand is not met, even as it called for unity, militancy, solidarity and strength as it wrapped up a two-day conference last Friday.
The 20th biennial conference of the union was held on September 25 to 27 under the theme “Relentlessly Pursuing Good Governance, Decent Work, Social and Economic Justice”.
The conference brought together delegates from Georgetown and the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, who reviewed the biennium, and planned and made recommendations for the union for the next two years, the GPSU said in a statement.
As the highest decision-making forum of the GPSU came to a close last Friday, motions were brought to the floor for discussion and consideration.
These motions included wages and salaries, and meal, uniform and footwear, leave passage allowances.
There were also motions relating to amending the Constitution of Guyana with respect to the Public Service Commission, and amendments to the laws of Guyana (1) 1997 Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act, and (2) the Pensions Act.
Contract work in the public service; land for housing, day care and child care facilities and agriculture for public servants; filling vacancies in the public service;, corruption, training and human resources development of public servants; GPSU Sports Complex land; the parity in station allowance and the non-payment of the hinterland allowances; parity in conditions and early appointment to the regions; and payment for maternity and/ or sick leave in excess of 28 days for contract workers were also among the motions brought to the floor.
The non-completion of collective bargaining agreements in commissions and agencies was also discussed and strategies developed to have these agreements finalised.
Finally, delegates unanimously agreed that the GPSU condemn the government for breaking the law, flouting the procedures and not honouring its obligations to meet with the bargaining agent of public servants.
Further, delegates called on the government to meet with the union within two weeks at the bargaining table and to conclude such negotiations in a timely manner.
