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The time has come to take industrial relations disputes to another level
Dear Mr. Editor,
Permit me to raise a few of my own concerns as it relates to the issues confronting the workers of the Guyana civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Yes, there are many onlookers, some of whom have genuine concerns about the strike action taken by the workers, while others use the opportunity to vent ‘pent up feelings’, hatred and animosity towards people.
Opportunists!
Those who have an interest in the issues should not ‘parrot’ what was told to them, as appeared in the “The Parrot speaks” of Kaieteur Newspaper Sunday February 8, 2009 on page 28.
Such persons must be objective in their comments and make a real contribution as they see appropriate and necessary. Both sides to the disputes may have legitimate claims.
Because I understand fully the issues in this matter, I support the action taken by the workers. Having seen all the records relating to this matter, it is clear to me that the issue of recognition was thrown into the picture to confuse and to mislead the public.
Of much concern to me and this should be for others as well, is the wickedness of people in public offices to deliberately mislead others.
The Ministry of Labour has a duty and a responsibility to protect the rights of workers and to defend their interests, but often times the opposite occurs.
I have knowledge that workers issues were settled between the Management of the GCAA and the GPSU as well as at the Ministry of Labour at the level of Conciliation, successfully and workers have benefited in keeping with the rules and regulations that govern the Public Service.
Any curious onlooker can verify the above. This is factual information, not ‘parroting’. The issue of recognition is with the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TUR & CB) for which the Chief Labour Officer is the Secretary and fully cognizant and conversant with the issues of recognition. So, the officer should not pretend to be ignorant of the circumstances.
Perhaps, his interest is more focused on securing his own personal benefits and the annual renewal of his contract, having attained the age of 55 , rather than rising to an objective position and in defense of and the protection of workers’ rights.
The time has come, I believe to move the resolution of industrial relations dispute to another level since the Ministry of Labour is perceived to be a toothless poodle, a political football masquerading as a department in defense of the rights of workers, when in some instances it acts against their interests.
More than ever, the time is right for the Labour movement to lobby for the establishment of an Industrial Court so that workers’ grievances can be addressed timely and objectively.
Many claimed and continue to claim that Guyana is now a democratic state, but look at it keenly, it may be under ‘iron fist’ ruling with autocracy at its maximum. Today is for one set of people, tomorrow is for another set. Look out, it will blossom and come your way.
When that happens it is because you choose to ‘parrot’ rather than objectively analyze pertinent information and be educated in the process. It may be too late to act appropriately.
Ram Mangru
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