‘We must do things differently in 2005’
--Says CCWU in Christmas/New Year message
Guyana Chronicle
December 22, 2004
ALL stakeholders must be ready and willing to do things differently if the challenges of the New Year are to be overcome. This was one of the ideas addressed by the leadership of the CCWU (Clerical and Commercial Workers Union) in a Christmas/New Year message issued on Friday, December 17, 2004.
The message, which was penned by Mr. Grantley Culbard, General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CCWU, urged employers to honour the tradition of the Guyanese Christmas by paying bonuses to workers, “to help relieve all of us of some of the stress we suffered throughout this year”.
The message read: “We are extremely pleased that most employers responded favourably to our plea, and sincerely hope that everyone enjoys the Christmas season. As we look back over 2004, we had set ourselves six priorities and we achieved three of them including the smooth merger of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Guyana Television and Broadcasting Company Ltd (GTV). We stuck to industrial relations principles and we were able to contribute to the firm establishment of the National Communications Network (NCN).
“The year ahead promises to be as difficult or even more difficult for us than 2004. If we are to overcome, all concerned must be ready and willing to do things differently and to the best of our abilities.
“The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is expected to be more firmly rooted and we must be prepared to take full advantage of benefits arising out of the same. This demands an urgent preparation by the social partners to realise a social contract.
“The CCWU is disappointed and disturbed by Government’s recent imposition of a 5 percent salary increase for public sector workers. The Government’s action calls into question the process of collective bargaining and does not conform to ILO Conventions. Perhaps, a social contract may lead to a change in approach and greater respect shown by one social partner to another. It is important therefore for all trade unions to work towards genuine trade union unity and solidarity.
“Our vision is the achievement of a united and excellent trade union movement working harder to further improve the quality of life of all Guyana.”
Mr.Culbard concluded: “The CCWU in the New Year would continue to act in such a manner as would enable our members and workers generally to achieve their aims and aspirations. We are prepared to continue to work with employers to institute measures that would create a healthy attitude conducive to enhancing efficiency and productivity. Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year to all.”