and this results in the arbitrary imposition of salary/wage awards

micevan1l6

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is calling on the government to address negotiations regarding salary/wage and allowance increases for public service workers.According to the GPSU, the Union submitted a multi-year proposal (three years) on June 1, 2007 to the Government of Guyana for increased in wages/salaries for the years 2007 – 2009. However, Negotiations were never concluded.The Union stated the Executive Council of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and its membership throughout the country view with grave doubts and reservation the seriousness demonstrated by the Government of Guyana when it comes to matters relating to increases in public service workers remuneration and improvement of the general conditions of public service work and service.In this regard, the GPSU disclosed that on September 9, 2009 proposals were submitted to the government for increases in wages/salaries and allowances for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Union also submitted a compilation of a basket of necessities which was used as the basis for determining the criteria for the minimum salary for a public service worker.As a consequence of the foregoing, the Union represented and reached agreement with the Permanent Secretary – Office of the President to commence negotiations for increases in wages/salaries and allowances for 2010 from October 27, 2010.Other dates were also scheduled for these negotiations (November 1, 8 and 11, 2010).  “To date no meeting has been convened.”The GPSU disclosed that there was a meeting at the Union’s headquarters on November 13, last. “The matter was ventilated and it was clear that the membership throughout the country was of the view that there was no seriousness nor urgency demonstrated by the Government when such matters were being discussed.”It was also stated by the Union that the apparent conduct undermines the legitimate negotiations that should take place in keeping with the Agreement for the Avoidance and Settlements of Disputes between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU, and this results in the arbitrary imposition of salary/wage awards, normally close to the end of the year, which is also in conflict with the Government’s obligation to adhere to relevant ILO Conventions dealing with Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights.“With this in mind, the delay of the commencement of the negotiations on the increase in wages/salaries and allowances is of severe discomfort to the GPSU and hurting to the public service workforce which in effect, has incalculable implications for public service workers and the wellbeing of their families.”