We, of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), wish to thank you members of the media for kindly accepting our invitation today. Over the last few months, the Federation has expressed, through press statements, our positions on several matters. Those very important matters had and have attracted attention locally, and in some instances internationally as well. It was pleasing that several sections of the media featured those statements and we are hopeful that the concerns we raise today will get the attention of the Guyanese people and even those beyond our shores.
The Federation which, through its affiliates, represents the largest segment of the organized labour force in our country has been keenly following events and happenings in our country. We recognize that the decisions, policies, intentions and comments made by our country’s leaders and other officials impact in one way or another, our members well-being and the Guyanese peoples’ welfare as a whole. Our membership which is wide and diverse and ranges from workers toiling in the fields and factories to those who perform the varied administrative tasks in the offices to those who take care of our sick and wounded to those display our people’s warm hospitality and friendliness to those who maintain critical transportation linkages to those who keep the lights on making our lives more comfortable and yet others.
FITUG, as you well know, represent Guyanese from all walks and all shades of life and they are all equally yearning to adequately provide for their families, to meet their obligations and to ensure that their children have brighter and better tomorrows. It is with this in mind that we have sought to play a meaningful role in our society to ensure that the rational expectations and desires of our members and their dependents can be realized.
The GECOM Chairman ‘appointment’
As we seek betterment and development, the FITUG recognizes that a key ingredient is a functioning and healthy democracy buttressed by the regular conduct of elections which are free and fair and free of fear. In such circumstances, our electoral institutions, we hold, must be above reproach and must be able to withstand any and all scrutiny in the conduct and in the organization of the polls. As we pointed out in our statement on this matter, it was disbelieving that President David Granger took a decision to unilaterally appoint a Chairman to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The ‘nuclear option’ approach taken by the President has heightened tensions and evoked anxieties in the populace. While the President has sought to shelter under the Chief Justice’s ruling, we believe, there is not much, if anything, to hide behind.
Given our electoral history, such anxieties, we believe, are not unjustified. We recognize that several organisations and individuals have also offered condemning views of the President’s action. We reiterate our strongly held view that the President’s decision was unconstitutional and cannot advance the steady progress we recorded over the last quarter century in the development of a democratic culture. This does not augur well for our people and the President himself. We once again wish to express our strongest condemnation.
The pay rise imposition in the Public Service
The Federation was also very upset when it learnt that the Government imposed pay rises for workers in the public sector for the third consecutive year. The APNU/AFC Government in its manifesto committed itself to ensuring that the Collective Bargaining process was employed in arriving at wage/salary increases and other improvements in the public sector. This was a sentiment that was expressed on several occasions by officials in the Administration. It is, therefore, disconcerting that the Government has, once again, employed such a high-handed approach and in that process undermined the credibility of its commitments. Furthermore, this imposition approach runs contrary to our Trade Union Recognition Act, the Constitution of Guyana, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. It also does not send a positive message to other employers in our nation.
We cannot also fail to express our concern over the quantum of the pay rises approved. For those at the bottom end, their salaries will rise by $4,445 from $55,555 to $60,000 per month having benefitted from an 8 per cent rise; however, those at the top who receive $800,000 per month for instance, will see their salary going up by $40,000 arising from their 0.5 per cent pay hike.
Though we accept that all workers deserve higher wages/salaries, it is those at the lower end who are in greater need. It is the low-earning workers that find difficulties to put meals on the table, to send their children to school, to pay their bills, to afford medical care and medication, to have adequate shelter and the basic comforts of life, and to meet life’s basic necessities.
Budget 2018
As we reflect on the now-a-day pressures confronting the working people, the FITUG is also aware, from press reports that Budget 2018 will be presented in the latter part of November, 2017. This is the second year that the Budget will be presented before the commencement of the financial year. It also means that the 2017 full year economic performance would not be taken into account in setting 2018’s targets and objectives. The FITUG recognizes, from the 2017 mid-year report, that an early budget, despite the Administration’s utterances, did not make much of a difference with 28 per cent having been expended as at June 30, 2017. The slow implementation is not in the workers interests as sums earmarked for their benefit may not be reaching them in 2017 as was promised. It also means that the Government, as the largest single consumer in the country, is unable to have allocated funds finding its way in the economy which is needed at this time of a generally recognized economic slowdown.
On Budget 2018, our Federation, at the Ministry of Finance’s invitation, put forward several proposals aimed at easing the burdens which have been placed on the workers backs. Among other things, FITUG called for improvement in the income tax threshold along with the removal of the 1/3 income tax threshold of those earning above $180,000 per month. We also sought improvements in the sums paid as Old Aged Pensions and Public Assistance while we called for the re-introduction of the electricity and water subsidies for pensioners. We asked the Administration to consider a special income support mechanism for the ex-Wales Estate workers, and to hold its hands on its plans for sugar and to engage all stakeholders in finding a meaningful and accepted solution as well as to pursue a socio-economic study of the industry.
The Federation recognized, too that Government needed to examine the way to deliver its functions in order to promote an efficiently functioning bureaucracy. Better allocation and more proper utilization of resources we opined could also be realised through consolidation of services across the Government in an effort to save monies. The FITUG urged that the Government looks at the utilization of technology, as far as practicable, in delivering state services. We also called on the Government to consider actively the consolidation of services such as printing and stationary, refuse collection, vehicle maintenance, public relations, computer purchasing, servicing and maintenance, and other such ancillary functions and services in specialized Government departments or through tendering to capable and reputable agencies. We also urged that tax exemptions and write-offs be provided to private enterprises be predicated on job creation and aligned with national development goals.
The sugar industry
We are aware, too, of the acute difficulties which are confronting the 16,000-plus workers employed in the sugar industry. Those hardworking, dedicated, and committed workers have not benefitted from a pay rise since 2014. Moreover, other benefits have been curtailed or taken away altogether like their Annual Production Incentive (API). For us of the FITUG, it is saddening that such an unconscionable approach has been taken to this significant segment of the State’s workers.
We are aware of the manifold contributions sugar made in its better times and still makes today notwithstanding its challenges. Sugar and, undoubtedly, its workforce literally rescued our country and its people in the difficult times and carried the nation on its back for a long time. The unthankful and unappreciative approach adopted by the Administration we believe is spiteful and harmful.
Furthermore, we are very disturbed that the Administration is seemingly proceeding in an obstinate and hasty manner to miniaturize the industry with further estate closures and estate divestment. Thousands of workers will be put on to the breadline, joining several thousands who have been put there since the change in the Administration. We find it heartless that the Government would take such an approach especially knowing the sad situation that unfolded following the decision to close Wales Estate at the end of 2016. The FITUG holds that all is not lost in the sugar industry and its fortunes can be turned around. We are aware of several implementable initiatives which can be pursued and which will play a meaningful role in safeguarding the industry, protecting the well-being of thousands of Guyanese, and at the same time further assisting in diversifying our economy and reach our Green Economy objectives.
The FITUG stands in total disagreement with the State’s plans for the sugar industry. We contend it will bring about great difficult, severe hardships and massive upset in the sugar belt which undoubtedly will spill over into the wider society. The Federation wishes to note that sugar workers are not aliens but they are Guyanese who are making a contribution to our country and deservedly should be assisted by the State.
The oil industry
While seemingly the Administration has turned its back on the sugar industry, it is actively nurturing and promoting the oil and gas industry as the next big thing. FITUG holds that oil can both be a blessing and a curse. Oil can unlock significant wealth which could propel Guyana’s development and our people’s standard of life in the years ahead. Such lofty aspirations, we hold, must be predicated on a clear, a transparent and an open approach to managing the industry and the income which accrues from its exploitation. We are aware of several oil-rich nations which have seen the oil wealth squandered and their people’s hope for the dawning of a better tomorrow dashed. Bearing also such realities in mind, we do not believe that oil expectations should be at the expense of other economic sectors. Rather it should be part of a wider effort to diversify and consolidate our economic foundation for the years and generations of Guyanese ahead.
As we reflect on the oil industry, FITUG cannot fail to express its apprehension that the contract inked with giant-multinational Exxon-Mobil has not yet been released. It is disappointing that the Government has chosen to flimsily hide behind a certain section of our legislation concerning the petroleum industry. It speaks volumes about the openness and transparency the APNU/AFC coalition promised during the 2015 elections campaign.
We are aware that Exxon’s spokespersons have said that the Company is not averse to having the contract released. It, therefore, leads us to suspect there may be something related to that deal that the Government does not want the Guyanese people to know of. Given the loud promotion of the oil sector by the Administration, we believe, the Exxon contract is a document that all Guyanese need to be aware of. We, at this time, join in the call for the Government to release the contract to the public.
The amendments to the Broadcasting Act
At this time, the FITUG recalls that the recent amendments to the Broadcasting Act evoked a firestorm of criticism. We recognized that several voices locally and internationally have expressed deep concern over the amendments to the act.
FITUG similarly is bothered by the nature of the amendments especially what we believe is the draconian requirement for legally-licensed operators to re-apply for licenses which they are not guaranteed that they will receive. This, we believe, could set a dangerous precedent and undermines the right to have a Free Press, an achievement that was won out of the struggle of the Guyanese people.
Furthermore, the demand that certain time be set aside for State programming as disturbing and could be seen as an attempt to impose the Government’s view on our citizens. The Federation sees this as unnecessary especially given the reach of the Government’s radio and television channels, its possession of its own newspaper as well as its large public relations bureaucracy. We hold that if the State is desirous of having its programming appearing on private broadcasters television and radio stations, it should be done on a strictly business basis.
The procurement of goods and services
We have recognized that the Government in recent times has found itself attracting criticism in the procurement of goods and services as it pursues its objectives. We recall for instance the sole-sourcing of drugs, at high costs, for the Georgetown Public Hospital or the controversy that revolved around the feasibility study for the new Demerara Bridge or the infamous Sussex Street Drug Bond. These incidences and others, in our view, serve to demonstrate that the people’s monies aren’t been efficiently and effectively utilized. It also gives credence to the notion that the awarding of certain contracts amount to paybacks for electoral campaign support. We are aware that some of these matters are under investigation or have been investigated by the Procurement Commission, but we believe that the glaring mis-steps by the Administration need not have occurred at all.
The Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board
It may be recalled, that the Federation, on the appointment of the re-constituted Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board in the latter part of 2015, expressed its deep concern over the manner in which the Board was constituted. At that time, FITUG had pointed out that the identification of the Board’s Chairman did not follow the expressly set out mechanism in the Trade Union Recognition Act. We further contended that FITUG, as the larger of the two (2) trade union umbrella bodies, ought to be accorded two (2) seats on the Board instead of the one (1) the Government set aside for it.
As a matter of principle, the Federation challenged in the High Court the legality of the Board’s composition and did not take up the one (1) seat it was allocated. The matter was finally heard a few weeks ago and the Court upheld FITUG’s contention. Justice Sandil Kissoonwho delivered his oral ruling on October 13, 2017 accepted arguments made by FITUG’s Attorney Ashton Chase, S.C. The Judge ruled that the Board was improperly constituted and that all decisions made by the Board are null and void. Furthermore, the Judge accepted FITUG’s position that it ought to be accorded two (2) seats on the Board.
We are indeed very pleased with the Judge’s ruling. The Federation could not have countenanced an illegality and, therefore, our decision to seek the intervention of the Judiciary. We are looking forward to receiving the Judge’s written decision. We are also hopeful that the Government would abide by the ruling as the life of the current Board’s will soon reach an end.
Conclusion
We have sought to share our views on several matters that we believe are of national concern and which we firmly believe are of importance to our members and, indeed, all working people. We recognize that each of the issues we reflected on represents an important piece of the jig-saw puzzle and when put together we do not like the picture that is appearing. We believe that if the situation remains unchanged our country could be facing dark times with many pitfalls. We see that several years of progress could very likely be rolled back and that the working-peoples and their families would be the most-affected victims. We call on the Administration to re-look at its approach to national life and governance. There is a compelling body of evidence which warrants such a call.
The FITUG remains committed to the goals of national development and all-round progress. At the same time, we would not stand by silently and look on from the sidelines as our people’s rights are trampled upon and the foundations that emerged out of the people’s struggle over several years are chipped away. We believe it is our responsibility to raise our voice and to express our concern not only on behalf of the thousands who belong to the Unions we represent but all Guyanese as well. We, like the Government, are desirous of having a Good Life for All Guyanese.
Thank you.
