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The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) at its 5th Triennial Delegates Conference passed several motions reaffirming workers’ positions on several issues consider important to them. Some of these, include the constitutional right to collective bargaining and free education; the benefit from oil and gas resources through cash transfer. The Conference was held November 8-10, 2023.
See motions below:
Collective Bargaining
In light of the continuous violation of laws and the transgressing of the rights of the workers on the issue of Collective bargaining by the government of Guyana the conference view this issue as an attack on the rights of workers collective bargaining, and the trade union movement in general the conference has mandated the GTUC, its affiliates and observing unions to design a strategy and implement same with a view of realizing collective bargaining regardless of the consequences.
‘Protection of freedom of assembly, association and demonstration.’
- (1) Except with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of assembly, association and freedom to demonstrate peacefully, that to say, his or her right to assemble freely, to demonstrate peacefully and to associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties, trade unions or other associations for the protection of his or her interests.
(2) Except with his or her own consent no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom to strike.
(3) Neither an employer nor a trade union shall be deprived of the right to enter into collective arguments.
(4) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this article to the extent that the law in question makes provision –
(a) that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health;
(b) that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the rights or freedoms of other persons;
(c) that imposes restrictions upon public officers; or
(d) that imposes an obligation on workers to become contributors to any industrial scheme or workers’ organisation intended to operate or provide for the benefit or welfare of such workers or of their fellow workers or of any relative and of any of them.
This motion was passed unanimously.
Right to Free Education
The conference has taken the decision that Article 27 of the Constitution is a right and efforts must be made to ensure that this right is respected to the letter. It is the view of the conference that in this age the trade union must seek countenance for the non-respecting of people’s rights regardless of which government is in office.
‘Right to education.’
- (1) Every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university as well as at non-formal places where opportunities are provided for education and training.
(2) It is the duty of the State to provide education that would include curricula designed to reflect the cultural diversities of Guyana and disciplines that are necessary to prepare students to deal with social issues and to meet the challenges of the modern technological age.
This motion was passed unanimously.
Cash Transfer
The conference has taken the decision that cash transfer is a right and the proceeds from the oil and gas industry do not belong to any political party or group but the citizens of this country. The conference further through in its motion stated that while it has concern about the oil and gas industry the GTUC must concentrate on how the monies that is accrued to Guyana is being spent/distributed for the benefit of the citizenry.
The conference further stated that while they may be concerned by other groups as to the contract between the Guyana Government and Exxon the monies currently accrued to Guyana attention must be paid to every element of its utilization.
This motion was passed unanimously.
