As a significant voice of our nation’s working-people and their families, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG) remains most concerned about the response of the authorities in proactively addressing the global Coronavirus pandemic which is raging in almost every corner of our planet. As we assess the response of the local authorities, we have recognized that several have pointed out that it pales in comparison to what is taking place in many countries. It is our considered view that those who have responsibility ought to be embracing more proactive and credible steps to meaningfully address the pandemic which has many people fearful at this time.
At the time of preparing this statement, there have been eight (8) confirmed cases locally and, we saw from media reports, that less than a hundred persons have actually being tested though we learnt several hundred test kits are available. We believe this approach is unhelpful if we are serious about staunching the spread of the harmful virus. While attempts have been made to minimize imported cases, there is still an urgent need to grapple with those who have been affected especially given the rapid and the almost unnoticeable spread of the virus. Many experts have opined that large scale testing is important if we are to identify the infected and thus minimize the spread. This is where we grow apprehensive as this seems to be an absent feature of our national response. Of course this grows even more important as the media indicated that some persons have tested positive after they would have departed our shores. Similarly, we have seen social media posts advising that proactive steps by Guyanese have been stonewalled by the apparent non-responsive response by the official apparatus.
It appears, to us at least, there is a lack of leadership when it comes to addressing the crisis. While now belatedly they are daily briefings by the apparently powerful Public Health Minister, those only came after sustained calls from the society. President Granger, on the other hand, appears far apart and just for a few moments. The President’s seeming hand-off approach on this matter of national importance is concerning and is at variance with his counterparts in the region and further afield. We nevertheless believe that the situation requires broad-based involvement if we are able to grapple with the crisis in short-order.
State support for our affected workers
The crisis already has forced many business to curtail their operations and, in other instances, to shut their doors completely with many workers being affected gravely. In New Amsterdam certain businesses have been ordered to shut their doors and in their wake scores of workers have been affected. In other parts of the country, curfews and stay-at-home advisories have been imposed. Given the dire situation that has faced and is facing many workers who live from pay-day to pay-day, the sudden and unexpected loss of income has only made their bad situations even worse. The absence of the income of a breadwinner/s can only serve to exacerbate the situation as those found in want may well be forced to make decisions which can put them and their families in harm’s way. Similarly, our market vendors, taxi and minibus drivers, truck and animal-drawn cart operators, and so many more stand to be affected by the current crisis and can be driven to take decisions not in the interest of their health and well-being but necessary to put food on their tables.
While some reprieve has come in the form of delayed bill payments and obligations to the financial institutions, these do not fully answer nor do they address holistically the new-found plight of many workers and their families. In our view, the State needs to take an involved approach to alleviate the situation of families finding themselves in such a predicament and thus avoid the pitfalls it will bring about. To this end, to bring relief to our struggling workers we urge:-
- That no worker suffers any loss in pay during any period they may not be required at work arising from the curtailing or outright closure of workplaces;
- The State, as the country’s major employer, ensures that all of its employees, whether employed in the public service, semi-autonomous and para-statal agencies, receive their full salaries during the period;
- The Government of Guyana works along with private sector employers to provide the necessary assistance, whether through fiscal or other measures, to ensure that businesses are able to meet their obligations to their employees;
- The direct transfers be activated for self-employed and other affected Guyanese who have been rendered out-of-work arising from the prevailing situation, and
- That the Government approves a waiver of income and value added taxes for at least the next six (6) months to allow Guyanese to be better able to cope with the increased cost-of-living brought about by the pandemic.
Improved protections for frontline workers
The Federation also remains concerned about the level of protection being offered to those who are required to be on the frontlines in addressing the pandemic. Just days ago, we saw nurses and others of the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) lamenting the absence of suitable protective wear to prevent them from contracting COVID-19. We also have heard of similar situation unfolding at other health facilities as well. On this score, we hasten to remind the authorities that the Occupational Safety and Health Act require that employers provide their workers with appropriate and suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate occupational hazards. This lawful direction must be complied with. We also urge that similar treatment be accorded to members of the Guyana Police Force and other agencies who are also required to interface with the public at this time.
We have also learnt sadly about the refusal of some public transportation operators to provide their services to our nurses and other medical practitioners. We find this disturbing especially considering the important role and yeoman services that these men and women are giving at this time. On this score, we urge the assistance of the State to use its resources to facilitate the transportation of all our frontline workers. We believe that this is well within their possibilities as we remind that several school buses currently are not being utilized and could well fit into this role.
Prevention is better than cure
As the Guyanese people, at this time, confront this new challenge we remind that it has been said that “prevention is better than cure”. Indeed, we find this statement most appropriate given the circumstances of our times. We urge that everyone heed the warnings and directions of the experts. The Federation calls on all Guyanese to practice social distancing and to avoid congregations of any sorts. We are, through our affiliates, informing workers about the do’s and don’ts as we engage employers regarding adequate protections and practices at this time.
We are confident that we will surmount this challenge and be able to go back to our normal way-of-life. The FITUG, at the same time, contends that this period of anxiety can dissipate much more quickly if we adhere to all the precautions and remain safe.
