In honour of its 94th year in existence, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has vowed to uphold the principles of transparency and democracy, while declaring that it will do more to bargain for the rights of workers.
Thursday marked 94 years since the inception of the Union and its recently re-elected long-time President, Patrick Yarde, said the GPSU will continue to struggle
GPSU President Patrick Yarde
to advance its motto: “Justice for the Public Employee”.
“Our mission was always principled and executed with transparency and in a democratic fashion, leaving a legacy which was noble, decent, enlightened and one that we can forever be proud of,” Yarde expressed. He added that the organisation was able to rebuff “countless assaults” which were inflicted upon the Union.
He added that the founding fathers laid a solid foundation in protecting the rights of initial members, having recognised that many other public service workers also needed their support. Yarde outlined a number of proposals the Union has for the coming year, which includes modernising the Sports Complex and recreational facility for members, their families and surrounding communities.
The GPSU stated that it will also fight for collective bargaining and collective agreements, noting that it will call on Government to honour its commitment and complete the 2016 negotiations for salaries, wages and allowances as it strives for better wages for workers.
The GPSU further committed it will never give up the struggle for ‘sweeper cleaner entitlement’ to decent work and fair treatment, adding that it will advocate security of tenure for all Public Sector workers.
The Union stressed that it will seek amendments to the Pensions Act to make it more relevant to workers. The GPSU added that its rules are constantly reviewed to ensure relevance to the prevailing environment is maintained, while at the same time fending off the Union from undesirable and unwarranted involvement.
“Constitutional changes were made to allow more meaningful involvement of women and youths and engagement in human rights and race relation activities nationally, regionally and internationally,” Yarde pointed out.
Yarde highlighted that the GPSU had advocated and pursued a campaign of good governance, noting that it was a course of action which proved “costly, demanding and very challenging”.
“This involvement did bring about positive changes. The Union expected that with this change of governance, urgent attention would have been given to pending matters in recognition of the price paid and sacrifices made. This has not happened. Even though President Granger’s conduct and respect for the Union, the Constitution of Guyana and the rule of law is refreshing and outstanding, the Union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority who now deliberately attempt to hurt and undermine the Union,” the GPSU noted.
Controversy
Highlighting the controversial moments that surrounded the integrity of the ballot for the recent elections for the Executive Council for the term of office 2017-2021, Yarde stressed that the issues will be ironed out “swiftly and thoroughly”.
He added that the GPSU desires “harmonious relationships” that will be used to “decently and effectively” contribute to the national work environment in an enlightened manner and in the nation’s interest.
Much controversy erupted at the recent GPSU elections and the Police had to be called in over the refusal of election officials to provide the voters list to supporters of Yarde’s challenger.
Tension was high at the GPSU headquarters on Shiv Chanderpaul drive, Georgetown as the Union’s Presidential Candidate, Gregory Gaspar and his supporters cried foul over the process.
