Region 2 Chairman calls for workers to be treated better

Labour Day 2016

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

In observance of Labour Day 2016, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt is calling for workers to be better treated and for unions to properly represent them in the Public Sector.
During his Labour Day address to workers at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground on Sunday, Ramdatt said there is more that can be done to protect and represent workers in Region Two.

“Why our staff who are asked to serve the hinterland living in bat infested buildings and harsh conditions?” Ramdatt questioned, adding that he is of the view that there is need for a structured integration of the working class movement as a whole within Guyana.
During his address, the Regional Chairman said workers in Region Two are working under harsh conditions and noted that only recently, it was reported that a health worker was injured at one of the leading hospitals in the region due to electrical problems in the theatre. He also said that nurses in the region have to travel to the city on duty and often do not get their travelling their allowances on time.
Further explaining, Ramdatt said that with the rainy season, the Drainage and Irrigation workers do not have proper safety gears and are asked to endure long hours at work. He also noted that carpenters are currently working as pump operators, which he deemed as being “unfair”.
He nonethelessnoted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two salutes all workers on the occasion and called on Guyanese to use the occasion to reflect on the struggles and how much the nation has achieved as a people.
“Let us not fail to recognise the several measures taken over the years to protect the working and living conditions of workers, especially at a time when the working class in other parts of the capitalist world is reeling under the impact of a severe economic and social crisis,” Ramdatt asserted.
He also said that the RDC has high regards for workers and will champion the cause of the working people – whether they are workers in the fields, factories or offices. Speaking about rice and sugar workers, the Chairman said they are experiencing severe challenges at this time. He is therefore appealing for a review of the decision to close sugar factories and a rescue plan for the rice sector. Further explaining, he said the entire Region Two’s economy is pressured as a result of the poor state of rice industry.
He called on all workers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and not be intimidated by employers’ selfish and unlawful actions.
“Be responsible workers; be accountable by way of your respective job performances, your RDC is committed to the working people of our region, we must all find innovative ways to socialise as a collective and create partnerships through sport, training programmes a regional award scheme and other avenues to create an environment that is conducive to work and life,” he ended.
The May Day rally was organised by various unions within the region. Due to the rain, only a few workers turned out at the rally.