With a call for local telephone company, GTT, to do more for its workers, changes within the company have put the service provider at odds with several employees.

On Thursday, a small group of aggrieved workers, backed by the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Worker’s Union, engaged in a picketing exercise outside the company’s main office on Brickdam.

They held placards and chanted “who must go? Nedd must go! Why he must go? One man show!”

Workers are calling for their rights to be respected and for management to engage the Union before decisions are made that will affect their welfare.

One of the main grievances of the workers and the Union, is the company’s move to offer employees over 55-years-old, a voluntary retirement package.

Union President Harold Shepherd rejected the proposal by GTT and said that the move to pay these workers their full pension and ten weeks pay would amount to them being shortchanged.

He believes the company should also pay workers a severance along with their pension.

Over 30 persons have already signed onto the agreement but the Union has requested arbitration within the Department of Labour.

Some of the workers and the union are also opposed to alleged changes in the designation of staff in the Call Center without consultation with the union body.

Mr. Shepherd said there is a collective agreement and called on GTT to meet instead of simply responding to mails.

The union is also concerned with the Company’s refusal to pay workers their daily overtime and its resort to have the time accumulated weekly before overtime is paid.

Moments after the protest ended, GTT responded and said that it acknowledges worker rights but will not be intimidated by the protest action.

The company said it has been preparing for the imminent liberalization of the sector and changes that will come.

“Our employees have the right to voice their issues and concerns; but we are about to commence Collective Labour Agreement discussions and as such we will engage in dialogue when at the bargaining table. GTT will not sway otherwise,” said CEO Justin Nedd in a statement.

The company noted that it has continued to show its commitment to its employees by implementing improved health and safety measures and making investments where necessary, including specialized training for safety and operational personnel.

“We care about our employees and we continue to actively work with them and the GPTWU to listen to, understand and address concerns. As such, we look forward to our ongoing meetings and collaboration with the GPTWU in implementing changes that benefit both GTT employees and the company as a whole, especially as we prepare to enter a more competitive environment. But these discussions have proven to be much more productive when we engage in a professional and cordial manner,” Nedd added.