Several sections of the media reported on an engagement between Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton and representatives of Exxon-Mobil. From those media reports we learnt that Minister Hamilton addressed concerns about pay levels of Guyanese vis-à-vis foreigners as well as unionization of workers in the sector. The Minister’s engagement followed Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who had also expressed concerns about workers’ pay levels.
In this regard, our Union made a public announcement of its willingness to assist and offer guidance to unorganized workers. Since then to now, a few workers from the oil sector have engaged us and shared with us some documents. Those interactions and review of documents were for us revealing. We recognised that workers’ in the sector are really being taken advantage of and many of their rights are not respected. Moreover, long-standing practices embraced by many sectors are absent in the supposedly high-paying oil and gas sector. Worse of all the workers are practically threatened against seeking union representation. We have learnt that even a quip in that direction results in a fast and furious response to make such workers an example obviously to intimidate and instill fear.
Our country has had a proud tradition of progressive advancement of workers’ rights. We, therefore, have a responsibility to defend those rights and to stand with those workers in the sector who are literally being exploited without any recourse to justice. Given the travails the oil sector workers are enduring, and the several victories of workers in Guyana, the GAWU cannot remain silent or stand at the sidelines. We see the need to speak up and speak out. We see the need to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld. As we once again reiterate our willingness to advance workers’ rights, be assured of our continued voice in defence of all workers who need protection and help. We again invite any worker who has difficulties at their workplaces, or just requires clarity or explanation to approach us whether online or in person. We stand ready to assist.
