Latest update April 11th, 2025 9:20 AM
GPL/NAACIE agree to 6% increase for workers
NAACIE’s General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph
After months of negotiations between Guyana Power and Light and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) both parties have agreed to a six per cent increase for the power sector workers for 2008.
According to NAACIE’s General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph, the parties finalised the agreement yesterday following a lengthy meeting.
Joseph said that the six per cent increase will be paid to both junior and senior class workers of the power company, who are represented by the union. The union and GPL had been in negotiations since the early part of this year for the increase.
Joseph said the union, however, was not pressing the issue, having recognised the situation which the utility company, and the work force at large, was facing due to the high oil prices.
“We clearly understood the financial situation which GPL was facing as it relates to the international oil prices so we were holding down on the matter,” Joseph said.
He explained now that oil prices have somewhat been stabilized, the union decided to go ahead with their negotiations in the best interest of the workers which they represent.
According to Joseph, on Monday last there was a meeting between the union and GPL. At that meeting, Joseph said, the power company offered a three per cent increase which the union bluntly refused.
As a result of the offer on Tuesday, GPL workers stationed at the Canefield, Onverwagt and Garden of Eden offices took industrial action.
Following the protest action, the union was called for a meeting yesterday and the parties agreed to the six per cent increase.
However, during yesterday’s meeting, the power company offered a 4.5 per cent across the board increase, which was rejected by the union.
The power company then offered a package that included a 4.5 per cent across the board and a 1.5 per cent performance incentive. According to Joseph, the money will be paid retroactively on December 18 to the workers.
In the meantime, Joseph said that while he is not pleased with the current offer, it is acceptable when one considers the Power Company’s financial situation.
He said that if the Union had pressed for a larger increase it would mean that all GPL customers will feel the strain.
The union, Joseph said, is aware of other issues which are facing their workers and other citizens as it relates to the rising cost of living and the high inflation rate.
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