GTUC Vows to Intensify Efforts for Justice

By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has said that it remains resolute in its commitment to challenging the policies of the current government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which it perceives as unjust and harmful to the rights of workers in the country. The union has pledged to continue its protests and activism, focusing on securing justice, fairness, and respect for workers’ rights.

For some time, the GTUC has expressed frustration with the PPP administration, accusing the government of neglecting the welfare of the working class and abusing its power. Union officials contend that the PPP’s policies have resulted in systemic discrimination, with workers feeling excluded from opportunities unless they align with the ruling party. This perception of exclusion has become a central point of contention, particularly in the context of public sector employment.

During a protest outside the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis voiced one of the union’s concerns. “The PPP has a policy of discrimination about which all Guyanese should be concerned. It affects all of us. For example, if you want a job in this country, you must be a PPP party member or supporter, and you must pledge undying loyalty to the PPP. Otherwise, you can’t get a job. This discrimination must be stopped. The GTUC will work towards achieving social justice and equality and fairness for all Guyanese. We will not give up that fight until justice is achieved. All Guyanese deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity,” Lewis stated.

In addition, GTUC President Norris Witter condemned the PPP’s decision to award public servants a 10 percent retroactive wage increase at the end of 2024. He described the increase as “an insult” given the rising cost of living and inflation. However, it is the delay in disbursing this retroactive pay that has raised even greater concern among union leaders.

Witter expressed outrage at the government’s decision to withhold workers’ wages for an entire year before making the retroactive payment in December. He highlighted a significant point: during that year of delay, the government would have had access to the funds that rightfully belong to the public servants. The money, instead of being paid to workers, would have been held in government coffers, allowing the state to earn interest on the funds. Witter argued that this was an injustice, and he strongly believes that workers should be compensated for this delay.

“The PPP regime held onto that money for a full year before paying it in December 2024. During that period, they essentially had an interest-free loan from the workers. This is not just a minor issue; it’s a significant financial concern. The government had the use of the workers’ money, which should have been paid to them promptly. In that year, the government likely earned interest on those funds, interest that should rightfully belong to the workers,” Witter explained.

Witter’s argument centers around the idea that the workers’ funds were essentially used as a financial resource for the government’s benefit. With inflation continuing to erode the value of money, the government’s delay in paying out the retroactive pay means that workers have been financially disadvantaged. The situation is further compounded by the fact that, had the workers received their pay on time, they could have made use of the money to cover their increasing living expenses, especially during a period of high inflation.

“Given the economic environment and the financial struggles faced by many workers, the government’s actions are not just an oversight — they are a deliberate deprivation of workers’ rightful earnings. The workers should be compensated for the time that the government retained their money. It’s only fair that interest be paid to the workers on those funds to account for the delay and the benefit the government gained from using that money for a full year,” Witter argued.

The PPP administration’s actions have sparked widespread criticism from the GTUC, and further protests and activism are expected as the union pushes for greater equity in the treatment of the workforce. While tensions remain high, the GTUC remains steadfast in its resolve to advocate for justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens of the nation.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the GTUC’s demands or if these protests will lead to significant changes in the nation’s policies on workers’ rights and employment practices. What is clear, however, is that the GTUC will continue its advocacy with the hope of securing fairer conditions for all workers in Guyana.