The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has been made aware of a menu of measures emanating from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure regarding restrictions to stem the transmission of COVID-19 in the transportation sector. While the Federation believes that every practicable measure should be embraced to staunch the spread of the virus, at the same time, we contend that measures must take into account what hardships could be created and thus the need to find workable solutions to such difficulties.
We recognized that in the case of public transportation operations, the capacity of taxis, buses and speedboats have been temporarily reduced in order to provide sufficient space for physical distancing. It is both a welcome and laudable measure and one if adhered to can make a meaningful difference. In as much as express our support, the decision has seen operators hiking fares in order to cover the costs of the lesser passengers they are ferrying. For many workers and their families, this yet another burden they must carry in an already trying and difficult time. Toward this end, we urge that following measures be considered in an effort to assist our workers and their families:-
- A complete waiver of all taxes on fuel to reduce the retail prices of gas and diesel thus offsetting a major cost of transportation operators;
- The provision of free transportation for the travelling public to get to and from their homes, this could be accomplished through the contracting of buses or the use of available State assets, and/or
- Direct assistance to current public transportation operators with a view to at least maintaining the current fares, if not making such services free-of-cost.
Several workers have also expressed to us, at this time, their inability to meet their obligations towards utilities and hire purchase creditors. With declining business activities, many workers have been sent home and forced to eat into their meager savings where such a landing exists. A prolongation of the situation which, from all likelihood, appears to be the case could see many workers being without many comforts of life. In this regard, the FITUG urges that the Government in collaboration with entities and agencies concerned approve without any further delay the following initiatives:-
- The write-off of any payment towards electricity, telephone and water for at least the next six (6) months;
- The suspension of hire-purchase payments for the next nine (9) months and an appropriate extension of those contracts, and
- For workers who have lost their jobs, their hire purchase obligations ought to be written-off.
We believe that these measures would bring to bear some reprieve for workers and their families who are already finding themselves in stressful situations as a result of the ongoing crisis. The FITUG contends that the situation is exceptional and that out-of-the-box and innovative thinking and solutions are required at this time.
