The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) is deeply concerned and strongly condemns the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government’s decision to appeal the recent High Court ruling regarding the payment of protesting Linden nurses. So said IFAAD in a press statement.
The High Court recently ruled it was unlawful to deduct payment from the nurses who participated in protest action over their working conditions.
In 2021 nurses of the Linden Hospital Complex took industrial action over poor working conditions, including their relationship with the Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Rudy Small, demanding his removal. This was during the pandemic when healthcare workers were pushing for better conditions of work to ensure the protection of themselves and the delivery of quality care to the sick.
Exercising their constitutional right to industrial action saw retaliation from government in the form of pay deduction in their March 2021 salary. And rather than accept the Court’s ruling and pay the nurses the government has since moved to the upper court to appeal the decision
The nurses, who are primarily African Guyanese, have caused some to see government’s retaliation and appeal driven solely by racial consideration. Acknowledging this reality, the institute noted the appeal on the grounds of race, as alleged by specified individuals, is an unacceptable display of discrimination and goes against the principles of equality and justice.
Going further the anti-discrimination institute made known it firmly believes every individual, regardless of race, should be treated fairly and given equal opportunities.
To this end the body lambasted the PPP Government for chosing to appeal ruling, using racially biased claims as a foundation for its decision. This move. IFAAD said not only perpetuates divisiveness and fosters animosity amongst different racial groups but also undermines the very fabric of democratic governance.
In a politically and racially charged society the Institute draws attention to the need for tackling discrimination in any form, stating it is not only the moral imperative of government but also a legal obligation for any responsible government.
The body cautioned the government not to focus on racial distinctions, but rather direct attention in prioritising the well-being and rights of all individuals, irrespective of colour or ethnicity. One way of do this IFAAD noted is to uphold the court’s decision to remunerate the protesting Linden nurses adequately. This “is paramount to ensuring equality and fair treatment for everyone within our society,” the Institute asserted.
IFAAD therefore demands the PPP Government reconsider its decision and withdraw the appeal immediately. The body said taking such step would demonstrate government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, justice, and unbiased governance. Underscoring its position, the Institute stated “it is essential for the government to act in the best interest of its citizens by fostering national unity and prioritizing the eradication of discrimination from the fabric of our society.”
The PPP Government is further advised the Institute For Action Against Discrimination will continue to monitor the issue closely and will work diligently alongside other human rights organisations and concerned citizens to advocate for equal treatment and justice for the Linden nurses. “We will remain steadfast in our mission to encourage responsible governance, rooted in principles of fairness and inclusivity for all.”
