Today, we celebrate 103 years of the GPSU—one of the oldest social institutions in Guyana. For more than a century, this Union has stood as a guardian of dignity, fairness, and social justice for public servants. Our achievements—especially in the courts—are milestones to be proud of. Yet, let us be clear: having to go to court is a symptom, not a victory. It reflects a recurring pattern where governments have ignored the foundational covenant between political leaders and the people—a covenant built on trust, cooperation, and mutual responsibility.
We celebrate our progress, but we cannot ignore the harsh reality. Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, fueled by oil and gas wealth. And yet, too many public servants struggle to survive. Rising prices for basic goods, skyrocketing costs of living, and wages that barely cover the essentials make it clear: growth has not translated into fairness. The paradox is undeniable—national prosperity exists alongside the daily struggles of the very people who keep our nation running.
This struggle is compounded by the increasing use of contract workers to replace permanent positions. Jobs that once offered security, pensions, and career growth are now temporary, precarious, and disposable. This shift undermines the stability of the public service and weakens the very foundation of collective representation. It is a challenge the GPSU will confront head-on, defending the principle that public service employment should be secure, fair, and sustainable.
And now, a new challenge emerges. Technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping the workplace. Tomorrow’s workforce will look different. Jobs once held by humans are increasingly performed by machines and algorithms. The GPSU faces not only the traditional fight for fair wages and job security but also the challenge of preparing our members to compete, adapt, and thrive in an era where humans and technology work side by side—or sometimes in competition.
The operations of the GPSU is bolstered by: –
(a) a number of agreements that enhanced the collective bargaining relationship between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU made over the years of its existence, some of which became a part of the Public Service Rules, among other things, viz.
· Check-off Agreement for union dues and agency fees;
· Agreement for the Distribution of Circulars to Recognized Trade Unions/Staff Associations;
· Agreement for the secondment of Public Servants to recognized Trade Unions/Staff Associations on a full-time basis, without loss of service and promotion; and
· The Agreement for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes, including wages, salaries and allowances.
(b) the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, which guarantees the protection and integrity of the Public Service from political interference, as stated at Article 38G: Public Service to be free from political influence. [10 of 2003]
“Article 38G
(1) The integrity of the public service is guaranteed. No public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular acts on the basis of higher orders.
(2) The freedom of every public officer to perform his or her duties and fulfil his or her responsibilities is protected.
(3) No public officer shall be the subject of sanctions of any kind without due process.
(4) In the discharge of his or her duties a public officer shall execute the lawful policies of the government.”
(c) fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which were ratified by the Parliament of Guyana and are in force. These Conventions, which are listed below, are also core to the relationships that employees’ organizations, such as GPSU, have with the Government, the employer and the rights and freedoms of workers.
The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022
Armed with this arsenal of legally enforceable guarantees, the GPSU has made significant strides in championing the causes of Public Servants over the 103 years of its existence, notwithstanding the political pushback to bilateral negotiations and attempts at union busting.
Most recently, the Union was able to get an Order from the Courts compelling the Government to have meaningful negotiations to determine, among other things, increases in wages, salaries and allowances, a position hijacked by successive Governments for more than two decades. The return to negotiations would enable the GPSU to plead the Union’s case, which it has continually made for a living wage to be paid to workers.
Additionally, it is considered most unfortunate that the employers of Public Servants for over a century have displayed much insensitivity to the importance of the provision of recreational facilities to be provided for employees example the Disciplined Services.
Public Servants are human beings and these facilities are necessary and important for their continued well-being and mental health and they are most deserving of this entitlement. It is the desire of this Union that this deficiency be corrected soonest.
The commitment of the GPSU to ensuring “Justice for the Public Employee,” as the Union’s motto reflects, needs not be underscored or overemphasized, but it is in the pursuit of this goal that the Union has remained steadfast for the 103 years of its existence. The struggle, pain and suffering of one generation of workers, have led to blessings for other generations and this cycle would continue until the alleviation of poverty from within the ranks of public workers and working conditions meet acceptable international standards.
We ask the Almighty to guide, strengthen and grant wisdom to the leadership of the GPSU to enable them to surmount the trials and obstacles that this year and the future may hold. There is also a solemn desire that the hearts of the political leadership would also realise the plight of workers and use their positions of power genuinely, fairly and faithfully to better the lives of workers.
Brothers and Sisters, while the Almighty answers our prayers daily, as the premier workforce in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, let us not deny the public at large the necessary quality of the services that you as Public Servants have been delegated and is righteously committed to deliver. As the largest employed group, we must continue to set an example and not be identified with bringing suffering to the nation that we are legally mandated to serve. Let us continue to ensure that our contributions to the nation remain our pride and joy.
In recognition of the continuity of the struggle for a living wage for all Public Servants, the President, Executive Council, and Staff of the GPSU would like to extend greetings on this memorable occasion to all members, allies, and associates as we proudly commemorate our 103rd anniversary. This historic milestone is a testament to the Union’s unwavering dedication to the rights, dignity and advancement of Public Servants across Guyana.
May the Almighty continue to bless the GPSU, together with its past, present officers and members, who fought, are fighting and will continue to fight tirelessly for the betterment of Public Servants, while continuing to provide and/or deliver quality and efficient public service over these trying years. It is also hoped that the solid foundation on which the Union stands will remain in place for many years to come.
Long live the Guyana Public Service Union.
