GPSU intensifies call for increased Risk Allowances for frontline workers

– as joint investigative team meets workers across the country

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), on Wednesday remained resolute in its call for all healthcare workers to be classified as frontline workers while demanding that they be paid COVID-19 Risk Allowances. In the case of those healthcare workers who already receive Risk Allowances, the Union’s position is that the allowances should be increased.

“…The Union is anticipating an urgent and positive response from the Government as it relates to the payment of the Risk Allowances to these hard working Health Care Workers,” GPSU said in a statement while noting that all other work-related issues are equally important and must be addressed.
The Union’s statement comes even as a joint investigative team, comprising of both Union and Government representatives, have visited healthcare facilities in Regions Three, Five, Six and Ten as well as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). During those visits, the team met with all categories of frontline healthcare workers and management representatives at each facility.

The GPSU said healthcare workers raised several issues ranging from the inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the non-payment of Risk Allowances for working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Of significance at each of the location, there was general support from the Health Workers that all categories of Health Workers must be classified as Front Line Workers and also must be paid a Risk Allowance, since the nature of the work within the Health Care facilities required that all categories of health care workers come into contact with a COVID 19 infected person, knowingly, or unknowingly while performing their legitimate duties. That is, Attendants will be the first line of contact in the chain of events leading up to the persons eventual testing and subsequent admission to the COVID 19 Unit where the Doctors, Nurses and other Ancillary Staff will continue to provide further supportive care,” GPSU detailed.

It was based on the repeated concerns raised at the meetings that the Union iterated the need for all healthcare workers to be classified as frontline workers and be paid Risk Allowances. The Public Service Union noted too that it was pleased with the Team’s interface with the healthcare workers.
“The Union expresses its admiration and commends its members conduct, discipline and professionalism in participating and representing their issues to the Investigative Team,” the Union said while noting that it anticipates more candid discussions at other healthcare facilities.

Protests by healthcare workers erupted in September with demands for better working conditions and risk allowances in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests were subsequently suspended as the Union and Government agree to work towards amicable solutions to the issues raised.