By Andrew Richards
Stabroek News
May 2, 2001
The President of the umbrella trade union movement says political leaders must agree on constitutional changes to tackle racial insecurity and he made a plea for real solidarity among the labour unions.
Trade union solidarity was dented by the non-participation of two large unions in the May Day parade and rally yesterday prompting Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) President Norris Witter to declare that no unity that is genuine could be sustained without embracing fundamental principles.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees did not participate in May Day activities in Georgetown.
Last year the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) held its own rally but marched under the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) banner. It, however, attended the rally at the National Park this year.
Witter said he only knew of GAWU's decision via the media. GAWU said a number of reasons prevented it from participating in this year's activities including disaffection with the GTUC's stance on the unrest that followed general elections on March 19.
Witter urged the GTUC affiliates not to let the talk about unity be merely cosmetic and implored all to strive assiduously to advance solidarity.
GTUC's acting general secretary Andrew Garnett, who chaired yesterday's rally, said the time has come when trade union leaders must stop the politicking and endorse unity within the movement. He urged the leaders to divest themselves from political control and serve the interests of the workers.
Yesterday's rally was attended by Prime Minister Sam Hinds, PNC REFORM (PNC/R) leader Desmond Hoyte, Minister of Labour and Human Services Dale Bisnauth, PNC/R chairman Robert Corbin, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, and Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel.
In his presentation, Witter described the Westminster model of democracy as a sure recipe for disaster and reiterated his call for its abandonment given the multi-ethnic nature of the society.
He said the GTUC will continue to argue that unless there is a constitutional provision which makes accommodation for political parties with substantial constituencies - an apparent reference to power sharing - then racial harmony and peace would be like "a fleeting illusion."
He called on the political leaders to muster the political will to make the necessary fundamental constitutional changes to address the racial insecurity and inequity which pervade Guyana.
Witter said new attitudes will have to be cultivated in defining the relationship with the unions' membership, the citizens of Guyana and all stakeholders within and outside Guyana.
He said in recognition of this, the GTUC initiated dialogue with the private sector and the government with a view to entering into a social compact that was intended to regulate the relationship between the GTUC and the respective stakeholders.
Stating that these talks were continuing, Witter said the GTUC wished to widen the dialogue to include all stakeholders.
This inclusion must not be seen as a sign of weakness and the GTUC reserved the right to respond appropriately whenever there is a betrayal of trust in the relationship, Witter stated.
Speaking on the economic situation in Guyana, the GTUC president said that indicators suggest there is a downward spiral in the country's fortunes. The unemployment rate is high and the working poor are suffering, he said.
"Poverty cannot be wished away. Where vision is lacking, the people [will] perish," he stated. Witter said soon the affiliates of the GTUC will engage the government and state agencies in negotiations for increased emoluments.
He said it was the GTUC's understanding that the government is yet to implement some elements of the public service tribunal award following the 57-day strike in 1999.
If this was so then these issues must be resolved before the commencement of negotiations to ensure an enabling environment, he said.
As for the Trade Union Recognition Board, Witter said the GTUC has noted there was political manipulation in this body. He noted that the tenure of the Board expired on April 30 but the labour movement is yet to reap the benefits from the legislation passed to establish the Board.
Garnett, used the platform to call on political parties and civil society to promulgate an agenda which will give true meaning to development.
He said the ongoing discussion between President Bharrat Jagdeo and PNC/R leader Hoyte has served to diminish political conflict.
Garnett expressed the GTUC's dissatisfaction over government's negative response to its proposals for inclusion in the national budget every year. He said the GTUC met with the Minister of Finance on April 27 and has once again submitted proposals.
Tax reform
The GTUC submitted that its research showed businesses have been paying a smaller percentage of tax collected while workers are paying a greater amount. To provide some relief the GTUC proposed that the tax-free threshold be increased from $18,000 to $30,000 per month.
It also suggested that the tax system be changed as follows: $0 to $30,000 - 0% tax; above $30,000 to $50,000 - 10%; above $50,000 to $70,000 - 20%; above $70,000 - 30%.
The GTUC argued that since the establishment of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) this entity has continued to operate in the same manner. This is despite changes taking place in similar schemes all over the world.
The GTUC suggested that a review be done to the NIS investment policy and to ensure the scheme provides maximum benefits to its beneficiaries. It called on the government to increase the NIS pension to the equivalent of the minimum wage.
Earlier, workers marched through the streets of Georgetown from Independence Park to the National Park.
The Guyana Teachers Union members were heard singing "We want more money or we're going to USA or Botswana." Members of the GPSU chanted that their union will not be pressured.
Loud cheers erupted from the workers when Hoyte arrived at the National Park at 10:45 hrs. After the rally, many of them rushed forward to greet him.