FITUG, Finance Ministry meet on 2004 budget
By Mark Ramotar
Guyana Chronicle
March 13, 2004
A delegation of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) met with Finance Minister, Mr. Sasenarine Kowlessar, yesterday morning to make its contribution to the ongoing consultation process in preparation of the 2004 National Budget.
FITUG, in a statement, indicated that its intention was not to undermine previous discussions on the 2004 budget between Minister Kowlessar and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), but noted that these unions represent large amount of workers in strategic areas of the economy.
FITUG also indicated that its discussions with the Finance Minister was centered on the issues of the income tax threshold, tax free payment for overtime, Government subvention for public utilities which include water and electricity, duty free concession to trade unions to better service their members, and provision in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act for money to be paid to displaced workers for retraining to re-enter the work force.
The union also called for more emphasis to be placed on Government Scholarships to enter the University of Guyana with relevance to the needs of the National Economy.
The Minister was also encouraged to revisit the Income Tax regime on family size.
According to FITUG, Minister Kowlessar indicated that the ideas of its members were very stimulating. He also told the FITUG delegation that if some of the ideas are not already in the National Budget, they will be revisited when necessary throughout its financial planning.
The FITUG delegation comprised Mr. Grantley Culbard, Chairman and General Secretary of CCWU; Mr. Kenneth Joseph, Secretary and General President of NAACIE; Mr. Seepaul Narine, Treasurer and General Secretary of GAWU; Mr. Vernon Semple, Assistant Secretary and President of GMM&GWU; Ms. Dawn Edwards, General Secretary of GPTWU; and Mr. L. Britton, Consultant of PIAWU.