GAWU complains about delayed salaries to Trotman

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Monday met with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, where the representatives complained about delayed salaries among other things.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Union reported that the workers at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) are often paid their remuneration later than the usual date. In addition, it said the same usually occurs with workers’ benefits.
“The Union pointed out that salary is personal property and the management had no right to delay such payments beyond the stipulated pay day,” the missive stated.
Moreover, the Union explained that it also seized the opportunity to highlight some concerns with regards to some $600 million that was invested in a High Street, Georgetown, property and a few other debts, some of which are owed for protracted periods to the Commission.
The Union, which sees itself as the sole bargaining agent of the workers at GFC, said it also pointed out to the Minister that the Commission is being given a heavier work load although no new resources are being provided to ensure these tasks are completed.
“In recent times, the Commission has been charged with additional responsibilities. Notwithstanding the new tasks, the GAWU observed, that the GFC was not receiving any additional resources to meet its new obligations,” the Union pointed out.
It added, “With regards to one such obligation, the Union referred to a large number of employees employed by the Commission who are engaged in tasks reportedly unrelated to the Commission. On that score, we urged that given the roles of the Commission in protecting a significant natural resource of our people, the State, we felt, was obligated to provide appropriate support to ensure that the Commission effectively discharges its expanded mandate”.
According to the Workers’ Union, it reminded the Minister that the Forestry Act stipulates any shortfall in the Commission’s expenditure be charged to the Consolidated Fund.
GAWU was represented by its General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; Organising Officer Porandatt Narine, and GFC GAWU Branch Secretary Hewley Clarke during that meeting.
Trotman reportedly committed to addressing these issues once discussed with Cabinet. In fact, the Union said it was to be discussed with this body with a view to seek a subvention for the Commission as an immediate relief.
In response to concerns raised about the $600 million property on High Street, GAWU noted that Trotman said he would “advise the Government to divest the High Street property and repay the GFC its investment”.