Workers attached to the Berbice Bridge company staged a picketing exercise this morning over the failure of the management of the company to provide them with adequate protective equipment for their jobs.

In a statement, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union complained that the actions of the Bridge company are contrary to the rules of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

According to the union, the company has refused to replace the personal protective equipment used by the workers that got damaged while they were on the job.

According to the workers, they were told that they have already received their PPE entitlements and they should be the ones to purchase any replacement.

GAWU reminded that according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, “An employer shall ensure that the equipment materials and protective devices and clothing as prescribed are provided”.

GAWU said it appears that the management of the Bridge is either ignorant of the OSH Act or is ignoring the rights of the workers.

GAWU said it is disturbing that the workers must raise their voices in order for their lawful rights to be respected, adding that the struggles for such rights have been waged and won by past generations of the working-class.

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