The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) yesterday (September 18, 2017) met with Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, at this Ministry’s invitation, to share its proposals it wished to have included in the 2018 National Budget. The Federation did point out to Minister Sharma that it was disappointed that proposals it submitted regarding the 2015, the 2016, and the 2017 National Budgets, it seems, were not considered.
FITUG also pointed out to the Minister that it was very concerned by the trying and difficult times our people are facing now-a-days. We called attention to the heavy tax burden, reducing economic growth, and a steadily contracting job market. In such times, we noted, the working people and their family are the hardest hit through unemployment, reduced employment and benefits, underemployed, a reduction in their standard-of-living, among other things.
Through our submission to the Minister, FITUG sought improvement in the tax allowances; increased old aged pensions and public assistance; the institution of 24-hour state-operated day cares for single parents; ensuring allocated sums benefit the people; protection of our patrimony, and transparent arrangements regarding the exploitation of our natural resources.
On the sugar industry, the FITUG is seeking that the Government holds it hands on its plans which will cause severe and great disruption and engage all stakeholders, including the trade unions and business community, to find workable solutions to the industry’s challenges. We also reiterated that the Government ought to conduct a socio-economic study relating to the industry. Such a study, we held, is an important pre-requisite in addressing decisions about the industry. Looking at Wales, the FITUG called on the Government to implement an income support mechanism for the people affected by the estate’s closure; to encourage investment in the area in an effort to spur job creation; to provide skills training required by the labour market to displaced workers and youth and matching them with extant vacancies; to provide counselling and other social programmes to address the social anxieties that have gripped the people and communities, among other things.
The Federation also sought improved support for the trade union movement and lamented that previously approved sums were not disbursed to the movement despite the relevant procedures were complied with by unions. FITUG also sought to have a more efficiently functioning bureaucracy and shared a number of ideas in this regard. The Federation felt that such efficiency will lend to more resources being available for the people.
The Minister having listening to the Federation undertook to transmit our concerns to his colleagues in the Government. He advised the FITUG, that several other bodies will be engaging the Government on the Budget and after a complete review is conducted, the Administration will decide on what matters would be featured in the 2018 Budget. The FITUG advised the Minister, that it felt its proposals were reasonable, and should be included in the 2018 Budget.
Below is a copy of FITUG’s proposals that were presented to the Administration.
