The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) today raised concern about the disregard for the rights of workers by several companies involved in the oil and gas sector.

Union officials met with Labour Minister Joe Hamilton this afternoon and it was explained to the Minister that since the union launched its oil and gas branch a few weeks ago, workers in the sector have reached out regularly with complaints of exploitation across the various companies.

While GAWU did not name any of the offending companies, it said the rights of many of the workers are being ignored and disregarded by their foreign and local bosses.

GAWU explained that in many instances, workers are being denied overtime payments or days off, adding that the companies have been operating with impunity against the Guyanese workers.

The union also raised worry about workers being threatened with dismissals and being intimidated

“Our Union lamented too the naked discrimination where foreigners are rewarded much more richly than local though undertaking the same tasks. This we noted is simply disrespectful to our hardworking Guyanese men and women”, GAWU said.

The Labour Minister said his Ministry was aware of similar situations and remains committed to ensuring that the rights of workers are not violated.

He intends to have the Chief Labour Officer meet with the companies to address the concerns raised and the issues regarding the rights of workers.

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