Govt’s renewed tone of engagement could lead to meaningful progress, stronger partnership – GPSU

…as union celebrates 102nd anniversary

As the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) commemorates 102 years of unwavering dedication to the rights, dignity, and advancement of Public Servants across the country, it has acknowledged a renewed tone of engagement by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In a statement on Saturday, the GPSU, which was established on June 8, 1923, said that it has made significant progress over the decades in improving working conditions, securing benefits, and championing the cause of organised labour.
Among the recent wins of the union is the multi-year agreement signed on December 10, 2024, between the Ministry of Public Service and GPSU, which it said lays the foundation for ongoing improvements in working conditions, signalling a renewed commitment to constructive engagement and Public Sector Reform.
“We must also mention that since the appointment of Dr Ashni Singh as Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more respectful and constructive relationship with the GPSU,” the GPSU stated, adding that “This renewed tone of engagement is promising and, if sustained, could lead to meaningful progress and a stronger partnership in addressing the needs of Public Servants.”
That multi-year deal saw public servants receiving a 10 per cent pay hike last year, retroactive to January 2024, and an additional eight per cent increase for 2025, as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving wages and benefits.
Moreover, the GPSU also played a pivotal role in securing the increase in the private sector minimum wage from $44,200 to $60,000 per month.
“Today, we continue to call for a wage parity between Private and Public Sector Wages. Based on our cost-of-living analysis, a minimum net income of $224,000 per month is essential for basic needs,” it stated.
While full equity remains outstanding, GPSU recognised that the 2025 National Budget presented by the PPP/C Administration reflected partial progress with the increase of the income tax threshold from $100,000 to $130,000; the reduction of personal income tax rates from 28 per cent to 25 per cent, and from 40 per cent to 35 per cent; and the introduction of a $50,000 monthly child allowance.
The GPSU is celebrating its 102nd anniversary under the theme: “102 Years and Still Standing Strong – Championing the Rights of Public Sector Workers.” It said this historic milestone is a testament to the Union’s unwavering dedication to the rights, dignity, and advancement of Public Servants across Guyana.
“Today, June 8, 2025, marks not only the passage of time but a reaffirmation of who we are and what we continue to fight for: dignity, equity, rights and recognition for every Public Servant in this great nation. The legacy of the GPSU is one of endurance, service, and steadfast advocacy, which we honour and continue to build upon with pride and purpose,” it stated.
According to the GPSU, many of the rights and benefits Public Servants enjoy today were hard-fought by the Union, achieved through strikes, legal challenges, and principled negotiations. It went on to recognise the pioneers who laid the foundation with courage and foresight, those who spoke out when silence was expected, and those who stood firm in the face of adversity and aggression.
The union also recognised the current generation of members, leaders, and allies who carry this legacy forward with determination, adding that their commitment ensures that the GPSU remains a vital force in shaping a just and equitable Public Service.
While the GPSU achieved numerous landmark victories through struggles, sacrifices, and solidarity over the past 102 years, it underscored the need for much more to be done to improve employment conditions in Guyana.
It calls for greater accountability and adherence to the Rule of Law in all matters concerning Public Servants, and condemns any breaches of Public Service Rules or violations of members’ rights.
The GPSU also reminded that it is not a political opponent but rather a legitimate stakeholder that represents the voice of Government employees.
On this note, the union expressed concerns about the rise of contract labour, the erosion of job security and labour migration, calling for a comprehensive national retention strategy to tackle these issues.
The GPSU also wants a review to increase the compulsory retirement age, allowing qualified individuals to continue serving the nation, thus retaining institutional knowledge locally.
It further went on to call for fair compensation, among other things, for Public Servants who are posted in border regions of Guyana amidst the controversy with neighbouring Venezuela. The union also raised concerns about global threats such as COVID-19 and Climate Change, as well as the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI).
“As artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape the workforce, the GPSU supports ethical innovation that safeguards employment, ensures equity, and strengthens crisis response capacity.”
Nevertheless, the GPSU noted that its 102nd anniversary is a turning point especially for internal examination. To this end, the union recognised that it must evolve to meet the demands of a changing national landscape, and committed to restructuring in order to remain relevant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its members and to the challenges of a modern Public Sector.
As such, the GPSU will be prioritising promoting national unity and racial harmony; supporting women and youth; reviving the GPSU Certificate Programme in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management and other advanced leadership training programmes and initiatives; governance reform and internal leadership strengthening; greater involvement in national policy-making and economic planning, and expanding health, housing, and welfare programmes.