Minibus union meets with Govt officials

Members of the United Minibus Union (UMU), supported by leaders and representatives of several minibus routes, met with several senior consumer officers to submit a proposal to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin to decide a way forward with respect to transportation cost, as fuel prices continue to escalate.
According to President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, the bus operators would be unwilling to lower the proposed fare hike even if the price for gasoline decreases, since they are faced with much burdensome expenditure, and this is compounded by fluctuating gas prices.
“We are expected to meet the minister maybe by Wednesday, so we will be able to go about handling this situation of bus fares, and even other matters in the minibus sector,” Andrews stated. Other bus operators related that the rise in fuel prices is taking a toll on them.
The Union has asserted that minibus operators would continue protest action until a resolution is arrived at. The union, on Wednesday last, said the sudden hike in fuel prices would burden consumers. In a strongly worded statement to the media, the union said Government must stop “turning a blind eye to what is taking place” and proactively act in the interest of people. Gas station prices for fuel have increased rapidly from $215 per litre last week to prices ranging from $230 to $250 per litre this week. That situation continues as the Government remains indifferent and mum on the matter. Nevertheless, the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday issued claims of price structures, which appeared to be cheaper than what recent reports suggest.
This comes after the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana urged Government to act swiftly on the matter.
On Wednesday, the trade union said this sudden hike in fuel prices will burden consumers. In a strongly worded statement to the media, the union said Government must stop “turning a blind eye to what is taking place” and proactively act in the interest of people.
However, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had disclosed that the matter was still to be addressed by Cabinet.