A victory for the workers!
The GAWU’s Oil and Gas branch had recently disclosed that firms operating in the sector through varying measures were seeking to dissuade their workers from becoming unionized. The policies of firms were, from our perspective, an attempt to undermine workers’ rights, perpetuate exploitative practices, and seek to underpay and overwork them. It was disturbing for the GAWU that though workers have won the right to belong to Unions, local and foreign firms alike were seeking every conceivable mean to attack that right. We held the restriction of workers freedom to association was part of a wider policy to trample on workers’ rights generally towards engaging them in oppressive conditions in attempt to enrich the owners.
The denial of workers freedom of association was a blatant violation of Guyanese constitutional right to belong to trade unions. It contravened the Trade Union Recognition Act. And it was a clear departure from the spirit and intent of ILO Convention 87. It represented, in our view, a highly detestable act and one which GAWU was deeply bothered about.
Our continued engagements with workers caused to reach to our hand one enterprise openly dissuading its employees from becoming unionized. The evidence was incontrovertible and was an indicator of the esteem held for workers in the sector. The GAWU drew this information to the attention of Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton calling for his Ministry’s intervention. Arising from the GAWU’s request, we learnt that the delinquent firm was summoned by the Ministry and was told in no uncertain terms that it was infringing on the rights of Guyanese.
The Ministry of Labour has recently informed the GAWU that the Company will remove the offensive elements from its paraphernalia. Our Union has informed the workers of this victory though we are saddened that it required the Ministry’s involvement we are heartened that workers’ rights were safeguarded. We see the outcome as a dent in the armory of the oilocracy and firms are not as invincible as they may wish to believe. The GAWU, at the same time, urges workers to be watchful and to ensure that their rights are not disregarded by their bosses.
We are convinced that further victories are within grasp if the workers are organised. Their coming together with responsible and capable leadership would ensure that their rights are not trampled upon, and they are treated in a respectful and dignified manner. The GAWU remains available to all workers who continue to confront exploitative practices and unlawful measures. Indeed, we stand in solidarity with the workers who seemingly are seen a commodity which is cheaply available and easily replaceable rather than human beings whose efforts realize billions in profits for the owners and their hangers-on.
