On this Labour Day, the Guyana Public Service Union is demanding that the Government respects the rule of law, be inclusive, desist from its discriminatory posture and involve all stakeholders in decision-making processes.

According to the GPSU, workers must remain unified to stand against challenges that are being thrown at them by the government.

“The deliberate, blatant, and discriminatory ignoring of the astronomical increase in cost of living; current inadequate earnings of workers, who provided and continue to provide quality public services; and the displeasure displayed by so many workers, particularly those in the health sector and teaching services, who choose migration rather than remain in this hostile, political, race-charged environment, ineptly managed by an ungrateful, uncaring, and insensitive employer”, the union noted.

The union called out the government over its “failure” since taking office to appoint the Public Service Commission and the Judicial Services Commission, claiming that it appears as though, those institutions appear to have been politically hijacked.

The GPSU said there has also been breaches of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, International Labour Organisation Core Conventions that are in force and the ILO Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Principles of Workers and the legally binding Collective Labour Agreement between the Government of Guyana and GPSU.

The union also complained about political interference in the public service.

The GPSU said “facilitating political involvement in the Public Service through the implantation of political operatives under specialized contracts within the Public Service and the involvement of Ministers of Government in the responsibility of the Administrative arm of Government, contrary to the prescription of the Constitution of Guyana”.

The union said it was forced to highlight its concerns to President Ali, since there was with the unconstitutional political interference, particularly in the case of the Minister of the Public Service, and other political appointees in the administration of the Public Service.

The union said it continues to be ignored by the Government and the Government has refused to meet with it to discuss various issues related to public servants across the country.

The union said labour rights in Guyana have significantly deteriorated since 1992, but it called on workers to remain strong and focused.

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