The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is preparing to file legal action against the Government over what the union body sees as a violation of the existing laws regarding the selection of chairman of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB).
This was announced by FITUG General Secretary Carvil Duncan when on Friday he met with members of the media and reported that a meeting had been held the previous day with Social Protection Ministers Amna Ally and Keith Scott, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle and a delegation from the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).
FITUG General Secretary, Carvil Duncan
“They unilaterally appointed a chairman, which the court is now looking at, so having brought in FITUG and the TUC, they are going down a road that will end up in court,” Duncan told media operatives.
In October 2015, FITUG had taken objection to Government’s appointment of former Justice Claudette La Bennett as Chairperson of the Trades Union Recognition and Certification Board, and had questioned the legal transparency of the process. FITUG is now questioning the appointment of the current board, with
Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board Chairperson, former Justice Claudette La Bennett
Duncan claiming that, at last Thursday’s meeting, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally asked for nominations from GTUC, which signalled its support for Justice La Bennett to return as chairperson.
“FITUG was then asked to nominate a person, and we made it clear that we have no faith and confidence in the present chairman; but at the same time, we requested until Monday, when we will submit to the minister our thoughts on a chairman,” the FITUG General Secretary outlined.
However, he noted that a decision seems to have already been arrived at and their submission was just a matter of formality.
The Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board has responsibility for determination of all applications and matters concerning the certification of trade unions as recognised majority unions. The FITUG General Secretary said the union body’s lawyers were informed of the intended court action, and will soon make a determination on the way forward.
