GAWU conducts safety and health training seminars in observance of Safety and Health month

–  sixty-two (62) union members benefit

The month of April has been set aside as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) month. During the month, focused attention is paid to matters concerning OSH and there are several activities organized to raise awareness, educate the public about OSH matters, to discuss challenges and to examine new developments in this area.

In observing the month, the GAWU organized two (2) one-day seminars on April 10 and 17 at the GAWU Labour College. The seminars had an aggregate attendance of sixty-two (62) participants who were drawn from among the union’s membership of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, Caricom Rice Mills, Noble House Seafoods Limited, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC), and the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). Through the training sessions, the participants were introduced to general concepts regarding OSH and given a brief overview of the safety and health practices at the workplace. They were also apprised about the rights of employees and employers through the Occupational Safety and Health Act facilitated by the Department of Labour.

Participants also benefitted from sessions regarding the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the role of the Shop Steward. There was also a session regarding the functioning union branches and the conduct of branch meetings. Participants felt that the seminars were most useful and they shared that they are better informed of their rights and their obligations. They also advised that they are more aware of practices which engender safe work environments and the necessity of being careful and cautious at the workplace.

The GAWU is committed to educating its membership about its rights and their responsibilities. We are of the firm view that it is only through education that the Union and its membership can be able to face up successfully to challenges and difficulties that will rear their head from time to time. Our commitment to workers education is manifested in the construction and operation of the GAWU Labour College which has trained hundreds of workers since it opened its doors in 2010.