The wholesale and retail Sector came in for heavy criticism over its failure to comply with the country’s Labour Laws at a Conditions of Work Labour Seminar.

Addressing more than 100 representatives from the Wholesale and Retail Sector at the Police Officer’ Mess Annex on Wednesday, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffth, said non-compliance with the country’s Labour Laws remains a major issue within the sector, as he expressed his disappointment.

 “In 2026, this sector continues to have the highest turnover of employees. What does that mean? It means that we have not made much progress since 2024, and that for the Ministry of Labour is a problem,” Minister Griffith said.

It was the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith who first raised the issue at the start of the forum.

Smith said in November 2024, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce had expressed grave concern about non-compliance within the wholesale and retail sector. She said at the time, businesses were operating without adequately observing Labour Laws including taxation requirements and other regulations. Those issues remain the same.

“Our position then was clear, and it remains the same today. Businesses that make the effort to comply with the law should not find themselves at a competitive disadvantage to those that do not. When one employer invests in proper working conditions, meets its statutory obligations and treats employees fairly, while another disregard those responsibilities, it creates another uneven playing field. That is not good for workers, it is not good for responsible businesses, and ultimately, it is not good for Guyana,” Smith said.

The GCCI President said the business environment must be fair, and laws and regulations must be observed across the board.

However, Smith said while the Chamber supports consistent enforcement of the laws, it is cognizant that enforcement must go hand in hand with education, guidance and meaningful engagement.

“Many of our micro-small, and medium size businesses, do not have dedicated human resource departments or access to specialist legal advice. In some instances, employers may not fully understand what it requires of them, and while that does not remove their responsibility to comply, it reenforces the importance of initiatives such as today’s seminar,” Smith reasoned.

She said it important for businesses to understand their obligations to their employees under the laws, and for employees to understand their rights.

Minister Griffith said the Conditions of Work Seminar, hosted by his Ministry, serves as an important learning ground for both employers and employees.

He said with greater awareness, the Labour Ministry expects greater compliance.

Additionally, Minister Griffith said the Labour and Manpower Ministry has embarked on a mission to modernize the country’s legislative architecture governing the Labour Sector with the aim of strengthening those laws to better safeguard the rights of workers.

He said it is important for workers in all sectors, including the Wholesale and Retail Sector, to enjoy good, stable, fair and decent work, adding that industrial relations must be kept at a fair level.

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