Negotiations between Linden Hospital Complex and GPSU resolved

Sep 17, 2008 News

— nurses to resume duty tomorrow

After intense negotiations between the Linden Hospital Complex and the Guyana Public Service Union, a Memorandum of Agreement between the two sides was signed yesterday, ending the five-day industrial action by nurses in the mining town.
The agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer of Linden Hospital Complex, Gordon Gumbs; Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel; representative of the Guyana Public Service Union, Maurice Butters, and Registered Nurses LeAndre Stellingburg and Jacqueline White-Phillips.
The terms of resumption are that the strike will be called off by tomorrow with full resumption of work within 48 hours.

From left are, Chief Labour Officer, Ministry of Labour, Mohamed Akeel; Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; Chief Executive Officer, Linden Hospital, Gordon Gumbs; and union representative Maurice Butters during yesterday’s discussions.

Security concerns will be addressed within three days, transportation provided to workers on the night shift will take the workers to their homes, and drivers will not have the option of deciding the destination of workers. The parties will meet within four days after full resumption to discuss other issues of concern, such as the facilitation of travelling to Georgetown, subsistence allowance, escort duty, current pick-up points for staff, and shift arrangements.
The agreement also states that an armed guard will be stationed at the hospital complex during the 10:00 pm to 6:00 am shift with effect from tomorrow, and a three-shift system will be put in place.
On Thursday, September 11, nurses of the Linden Hospital Complex resorted to industrial action following an armed robbery and sexual assault against two of their colleagues at the Wismar Hospital on Wednesday.
Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during discussions with the officials yesterday, noted that the incident which occurred at the hospital was a serious matter and his ministry had responded immediately following reports of the incident.
He said that as the matter unfolded, he came to the conclusion that there was need for improved security and transportation facilities for staff.
Dr. Ramsaran stated that the ministry was putting systems in place to assist the victims affected, and additional support was also being given by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Chief Executive Officer of Wismar Hospital, Gordon Gumbs, pointed out that armed security was provided, and the police force has since been engaged in additional surveillance of the hospital.