GAWU alarmed over reports of overworked, underpaid oil workers

GAWU alarmed over reports of overworked, underpaid oil workers

The establishment of an oil and gas branch of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has already been met with several complaints from workers in the sector, lamenting the working conditions under which they are subjected.
In a statement from the Union on Friday, it was pointed out that many workers shared that their rates-of-pay when compared to foreign nationals are essentially “chalk to cheese”, even though they undertake similar duties.
“Moreover, they are required to work extended periods consistently. Apart from that, after their long shifts they are required to attend meetings and undertake other briefings without any pay, thus restricting their time to rest and recuperate for another day’s work. This, they shared, is taking a significant toll on their physical and mental well-being,” the missive highlighted,
From being treated as “robots without any feelings and anguish”, the workers indicated to the Union that even when there is a brief respite in their substantive duties, they are made to undertake tasks which are not within their job descriptions.

“They indicated that they are not unwilling to cooperate but the manner of communication by some foreign supervisors and managers leaves a lot to be desired. This, they shared, is a big issue in the sector as it seemed to them that the foreigners treated them as lesser beings. For the Union, this is a serious concern, and we hold that no Guyanese should be made to feel as a second-class citizen in their own country. Our history is replete with examples of the struggles of the Guyanese to overcome such tendencies and we cannot countenance any return of such periods in now independent Guyana.”
Additionally, workers complained that they feel “cheated” since the recruitment promises does not reflect in the current conditions they are subjected to.
“Some of them who have now worked for several years in the sector, indicated they were still awaiting the fulfilment of those commitments…In fact, we learnt several important benefits which organised workers benefit from are not extended to the oil sector workers though they undertake risky jobs. They noted too that sometimes, without warning, their stints offshore are extended and their attempts sometimes to secure their lawful entitlements are akin to going through an obstacle course,” the statement disclosed.
GAWU pointed out that if these revelations are indeed true, it is condemned. The GAWU Oil and Gas branch has omitted to standing beside these workers and offer representation on their behalf.
“The Union reiterates its call for all workers to engage us as we work collectively to addressing the plights the workers of the sector must confront. We believe that our nation’s workers must be treated fairly and without any prejudices.”
At this time, workers can reach out to the Union through WhatsApp – 623-GAWU (4298), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, website (www.gawugy.com), email ([email protected]), telephone 227-2091/2, 225,2321 or by visiting their offices in Georgetown or New Amsterdam.