The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the sole bargaining agent of the workers at the Guyana Forestry Commission, met with Minister of Natural Resources,Raphael Trotman, along with the Board of Directors and Management of the Guyana Forestry Commission on August 05, 2019 to discuss the Commission’s current financial situation. The GAWU was represented by its General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; Organising Officer, Porandatt Narine, and GFC GAWU Branch Secretary, Hewley Clarke.
During the meeting, the GAWU, among other things, drew the Minister’s attention to the regular delays in the payment of salaries and other benefits. The Union pointed out that salary is personal property and the management had no right to delay such payments beyond the stipulated pay day.
We also pointed out that, in recent times, the Commission has been charged with additional responsibilities. Notwithstanding the new tasks, the GAWU observed, that the GFC was not receiving any additional resources to meet its new obligations. With regards to one such obligation, the Union referred to a large number of employees employed by the Commission who are engaged in tasks reportedly unrelated to the Commission. On that score, we urged that given the roles of the Commission in protecting a significant natural resource of our people, the State, we felt, was obligated to provide appropriate support to ensure that the Commission effectively discharges its expanded mandate.
The GAWU also shared concern regarding the six hundred million dollars ($600M) invested in the High Street (former Radio Station) property as well as other debts, some of which are owed for protracted periods to the Commission.
The Union pointed out to Minister Trotmanthat the Forestry Act stipulates any shortfall in the Commission’s expenditure be charged to the Consolidated Fund.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the Union and thanked the GAWU for its presentation. The Natural Resources Minister committed that he would take the matter to Cabinet on August 06, 2019 with a view to seek a subvention for the Commission as an immediate relief. He also informed that he would advise the Government to divest the High Street property and repay the GFC its investment. The Minister also committed to further engagements with the Union.
The meeting, we felt, was cordial and the workers representatives of the Union’s delegation were satisfied that the Minister has listened to their woes and has a better understanding of the situation at hand. In the coming days, we look to the Minister following through with his commitments with a view to bringing the sad situation that has descended on the Commission and which has significantly hit the hard-working employees of the GFC.
