The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has engaged a number of employers in the oil and gas sector to deliberate on working conditions, and the expectations and legislative provisions for decent work.

A seminar was hosted today and it brought together representatives from over 50 oil and gas and logistical support companies.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Labour, Keoma Griffith, said the event forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing series of labour sensitisation seminars to strengthen awareness of labour laws, promote compliance and foster stronger relationships between employers and employees.

“We started this seminar in the wholesale and retail sector and we are now in oil and gas. The plan of the Ministry is to ensure that we cover almost if not all, every single sector that has a large number of workers, so that we can improve together so that we can improve the conditions of work for the men and women who get up every single day, not only working for your companies, but building and contribute to Guyana,” Griffith said.

Griffith said it was important for the Ministry to build and maintain a strong relationship with the oil and gas sector, given the important role it is playing in the country’s development.

“Oil and gas have been very good to Guyana and I want to say represented here today is a very significant and important stakeholder in Guyana’s development. Oil and gas continue to support catering, security, construction, engineering, logistics and so the hands of this sector are very wide and diverse,” the Minister noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Labour Officer, Aslim Singh, said the ongoing initiative between the labour department and employers is to ensure that there is clear information on the labour laws and their requirements.

“Our doors are open, if after today you are unsure of how our previsions apply or you want guidance before making a decision, it is always better to ask before than to correct the problem afterwards. Our officers rather help you get it right at the start,” Singh said.

Singh said the Ministry will continue to engage other sectors to ensure that all employers are up to speed with what is required in relation to worker’s rights and decent work.

There have been many complaints from workers attached to the oil and gas sector with calls for union representation and direct engagements between employees and the Labour Ministry.

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