The Oil and Gas branch of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) continues to be approached by workers employed in the sector. Many workers in their interactions have shared with us that they were told in no uncertain terms that they are not allowed to join unions. Workers of a few enterprises have shared with us written memos and documents which tacitly inform workers that they should stay away from unions.
The action by the companies smacks of gross disrespect to the Guyanese working-class. All workers of Guyana have an inalienable constitutional right to belong to trade unions. This right is strengthened by the Trade Union Recognition Act which says that employers who seek to dissuade or make employment conditional on workers joining a union shall be guilty of a crime. Therefore, to adopt any policy or measure that aims to prevent workers from becoming organized, in our view, is illegal and cannot be countenanced.
We have informed the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton of this worrying development and have urged him and his Ministry to ensure that workers rights are upheld. The GAWU has learnt that the Minister and Ministry has taken this matter seriously and will soon engage errant firms. We welcome this intervention as the GAWU considers the practices by firms in the sector as a means to divide the workforce. Such measures will, therefore, allow the perpetuation of exploitative practices and diminution of workers rights and conditions-of-work.
The GAWU’s Oil and Gas branch urges workers not to be lulled and have their ‘bosses’ trample on their rights. An organized workforce is a strong workforce and one where rights are respected and where workers are treated with dignity. At this time, when the sector is generating tens of billions of dollars to treat those who generate the wealth in a disdainful and disrespectful manner is simply abhorrent.
The GAWU remains an ally of the workers and encourages them to continue to reach out to the Union. We remain available through Facebook, WhatsApp (623-4298), Twitter, email (info@gawugy.com), our website (www.gawugy.com), by telephone (227-2091/2, 225-5321, or 223-6523), or by visiting our offices at 59 High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown or Lot 8 St Anns Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
