Spike in workplace fatalities is a “worrying development” – GAWU

…be more assertive in demanding rights

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine has raised concerns over the frequent occurrence of workplace fatalities – a worrying factor in workplaces which demands more attention.

He made these remarks at the Labour Day Rally on Monday, organised by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) at the National Park.
“We are concerned when we see, far too often, a lax attitude by both workers and employers to occupational safety and health. Too often workers are not given protective equipment and in other instances when given, workers do not utilise them. This is a worrying development…We believe it is now necessary to examine the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations, to identify gaps and shortcomings towards implementing appropriate measures,” Narine expressed.
He opined that sections of the labour laws also require attention, since the last major revision that took place occurred in the 1990s.
“Since then, we have not promulgated any new legislation or pursued substantive amendments. We all recognise several changes took place since and new forms of employment have now emerged. In many instances, those workers are minimally protected if at all. We believe it is time for a comprehensive evaluation of our labour legislations to rebalance the owner-worker relationship.”
Moving forward, he urged workers to be more assertive in having their rights upheld and hold greater insistence to be involved in decision making.
“On this May Day 2023, as workers, let us recognise that we need to be more assertive in demanding our rights and insist that we be involved in the decision-making processes that impact our lives. Today’s conditions do not call for complacency but for greater activism,” Narine voiced.
In his message, the trade unionist also added that Labour Day serves to honour the sacrifices, the struggles, the contributions of workers and their families across the world; and a renewed pledge to continue the struggle on their behalf.
“Labour Day is a day when we raise high the banner of solidarity of the international working class. We are part of this world movement. As generations of workers before us have done in our country, the working class of the world have also written, selflessly, glorious and inspiring chapters of struggles that impacted positively on our lives and influenced profound socio-economic changes.”
The GAWU President noted instances of the high cost of living being the reality of many countries across the world as he commended the ‘proactive efforts’ advanced by the Government to cushion these effects.
“We appreciate policies to maintain water and electricity rates, zero-rating of fuel, and adjustments to the import duty regime. We have seen too the efforts to enhance disposable income and provide additional benefits. These are welcomed but the situation, for workers at the bottom, remains challenging,” Narine disclosed.
He spoke on the rapid economic expansion, which is expected to see Guyana rivalling the developed world on a per-capita income basis. This, it was shared, will call for resources to be maximised for the benefit of the people.
“We are happy and anticipate the unlocking of greater prosperity for us all. We are conscious too of the paths of other countries. There are not many shining examples, and we must be careful to avoid their pitfalls as we chart our path to further development. Together, we must also seek to maximise our resources. We are a small developing country with many goals yet to be attained. We must ensure that our resources continue to benefit our people and country foremostly. Already there is a big boost of the social services inclusive of education opportunities available to the population.”
Narine, who is also the Treasurer of FITUG, said the organisation remains committed to unity in the trade union movement as it is in the interests of the nation’s workers but this cannot come at any cost. It must rest on the principles of the workers’ movement and commitment to working class ideals and not ‘selfish desires’. (G-12)