The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), at its General Council meeting held on June 25, 2021, has decided to establish two (2) new branches of the Union to advance the rights and conditions on behalf of workers employed in the oil and hospitality sectors. The General Council in approving the decision consider a report from the Union’s General Secretary which indicated that in recent times a growing number of workers from the two (2) sectors have been approaching the Union seeking advice and guidance regarding difficulties and challenges they are facing at their workplaces. That report indicated that, in many instances, workers were not aware of their roles and responsibilities.
The Union has concluded that very few workers were aware of their rights, and this is a primary objective of the two new Union branches. The branches also aim to assist employers in the sector as well to educate their workers on their obligations as employees. We believe that there is need for a balance as workers in as much as they have rights also have responsibilities which they must similarly be knowledgeable about. On this score, the Union is willing to collaborate with employers in the sectors to educate their employees as they seek to motivate and commit their workers to enhancing financial performance while, at the same time, enhancing the International Labour Organisation (ILO) decent work agenda.
The GAWU encourages all workers in the sector to reach out to our Union for advice and guidance. We also urge employers to speak with our Union regarding collaborative work to enhance productivity, efficiency, and knowledge at the workplace. The GAWU, believes, that an educated worker is a committed worker. Workers and employers desirous of learning more can visit our offices in Georgetown at 59 High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston or in New Amsterdam at Lot 8 St Anns Street. We can also be contacted via WhatsApp at 623-GAWU (4298), by email at info@gawugy.com or though Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The GAWU remains a staunch ally of the workers and see these efforts as part of our ongoing efforts and objectives to ensure that workers are treated fairly.
