GPSU to observe International Public Services Day today

Jun 23, 2008 News

Public services worldwide, as well as the local Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), will today be observing International Public Services Day.

According to the GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, June 23rd was designated as ‘Public Services Day’ by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20th, 2002.

Yarde said that the day is intended to encourage member states to organise special events on that day to highlight the contribution of public administration workers around the world.

In this regard, an awards ceremony was held in 2003 with global submissions.
Yarde noted that, while the local union has always recognised the day, limited resources over the years have caused it to be observed quietly.

However, he disclosed, the union has decided that from this year, having completed its Institutional Strengthening and Modernisation Plan, celebrations would be marked more significantly.

As such, he noted, the GPSU approached the Government to work in partnership to celebrate the occasion, a move which has so far proven to be unsuccessful.

He said that the Government will be hosting its own observation forum at the Water Chris Hotel, and has extended invitations for four GPSU members to be in attendance.

But, according to Yarde, the union has no intention of having a conflict brew, since its only interest is in a quality public service.

“Our focus on this occasion is to work to have a professional and credible public service that delivers quality public service to all clients in an equitable manner.”

He, however, noted that this could only be achieved if the unsatisfactory conditions of service and the quality of life of public servants are addressed.

Yarde articulated that since 2000, the GPSU has been pursuing with the Government negotiations for public sector workers, which resulted in arbitrarily imposed increases.

“In response, from 2001 to 2007, the Government arbitrarily imposed increases in pay, in violation of the laws of Guyana, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions ratified by the Parliament of Guyana, and legally binding agreements with the GPSU which require conformity with the collective bargaining process.”

These violations, according to Yarde, have either been submitted to the courts or forwarded to the ILO for redress.

Over the years, he noted, the expectations of workers have simply been for improvements in their conditions of service and quality of life, to ensure that they and their families exist in healthy communities.

As such, he revealed, the GPSU has and will continue to call on the Government to address the many allowances paid to public servants, including commuted travelling, meals and subsistence, which have remained stagnant for over a decade.