The General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, has sharply criticised Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton over recent comments that suggest migrant workers could soon flood the local labour market, potentially pushing Guyanese workers aside. Lewis condemned the Minister’s remarks as either a sign of misunderstanding or arrogance, accusing him of failing to prioritise the welfare of Guyanese citizens.
At a recent community meeting in Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara, Minister Hamilton warned that complaints from employers about the behaviour of Guyanese workers could lead to a surge in migrant workers taking up jobs in the future. He also implied that the government might favour foreign workers to address these issues. However, Lewis responded firmly, stating that the Labour Minister’s comments reflect a fundamental failure to understand his role and responsibilities.
The suggestion that the government would prioritise foreign workers over Guyanese citizens is a severe misstep, Lewis argued. The veteran trade unionist pointed out that the people Minister Hamilton is referring to are the very citizens who continue to face challenges but deserve a government committed to their advancement, not one that turns its back on them.
Further attacking Hamilton’s position, Lewis pointed to the larger systemic issues contributing to worker dissatisfaction. The real problem is not that people are unwilling to work, but that they are being offered insufficient wages.
How can the Minister expect workers to survive on $60,000 a month while he himself earns over half a million?” Lewis asked. He stressed that the root of the problem lies in inadequate job creation policies and unfair wage distribution, issues the Minister has failed to address.
The GTUC leader also highlighted that despite the government recently launching Occupational Safety and Health Month, many workers continue to perform dangerous tasks without essential protective equipment such as safety boots, helmets, or goggles. This, Lewis emphasised, is especially concerning among government contractors, where workers are still deprived of basic safety measures.
Lewis’s criticism comes at a time when many are questioning the government’s commitment to improving the conditions of local workers. He urged Minister Hamilton to reassess his approach, suggesting that blaming the workers, rather than addressing the structural issues at play, is not only counterproductive but also unjust.
In response to the criticism, Minister Hamilton sought to clarify his remarks, stating that the government’s policies, through the enforcement of Labour and Immigration Laws, are designed to maintain fairness, foster economic stability, and protect the rights of both workers and employers.
However, the disagreement between the Minister and the GTUC points to a growing divide over how best to address the pressing issues facing Guyanese workers in an increasingly competitive job market.
At the same time it remains to be seen whether the government will heed calls for a more worker-centered approach or continue to focus on attracting foreign labour in an attempt to satisfy business interests.
