General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, believes Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, has demonstrated a misunderstanding of his role or arrogance that is common among some politicians with his recent statements about Guyanese workers.

During a recent community meeting in Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara, the Labour Minister warned of the possibility of migrant workers flooding the local labour market in future.

He said the day is quickly coming and highlighted complaints from companies about the behaviour of Guyanese workers.

Lewis said the Labour Minister must know that Guyanese workers must be put first.

“To suggest that the Government will prioritize foreign workers over Guyanese citizens is a failure on his part and the government’s. The people he refers to are citizens who, despite challenges, deserve a government committed to improving their lives – not abandoning them,” Lewis said.

Minister Hamilton, in clarifying his statement said through the observance of Labour and Immigration Laws, Guyana maintains fairness in employment, fosters economic stability, and safeguards the rights and dignity of both workers and employers. He said employment of undocumented individuals is not simply an infraction as it represents a deviation from the principles of accountability, justice and due process that form the bedrock of the country’s developmental agenda.

The GTUC General Secretary said Minister Hamilton’s initial remarks imply a failure to create systems for job creation and fair wages.

“The issue is not that people refuse to work, but that wages are insufficient. How can the minister expect workers to live on $60,000 a month while he hears over half a million. It’s time for the minister to reconsider his stance on workers, as their tax dollars pay his salary, yet he chooses to blame them without addressing the root cause of their dissatisfaction,” Lewis said.

He said Guyanese workers deserve better.

The GTUC General Secretary said even as the country observes Occupational Safety and Health Month, many workers are working without basic protective gear such as safety boots, helmets and goggles.

He said the problem could be seen daily, even with Government contractors. Lewis said the Labour Minister should focus more of his attention in that area rather than attempting to make excuses for the hiring of undocumented foreign workers.

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