School sweeper-cleaners aren’t alone

Nov 25, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
I have been wondering whether or not the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security as well as the Ministry of Labour is knowledgeable and if so why is there nothing being done about it.
Some time ago some persons in Berbice highlighted the said issue.
The compound of the University of Guyana at the Turkeyen as is known is very big and has a lot of multi-storeyed structures.
The cleaners/sweepers are to report to work for 07:00hrs and continue until 12:00hrs, you only work half-day Monday through Friday because of your designation as a contract worker as stated in the letter you receive when you’re employed.
With the size of the structures in mind that is in the compound that the individuals have to clean including all windows, passage ways, Office etc.
The windows are of louvers type and depending on your height; a male cleaner may reach the top blades that we women can’t.
What is surprising is the remuneration is just to do that—surprising. If an individual doesn’t report for work, you have to do that person’s share of work, of course without extra pay.
In such a situation you have to ensure you don’t go past 12:00hrs, but of course one will have to go past that time because of the size of the building and there is absolutely no consideration for an extra dime.
Isn’t this shocking? You are told that between these fixed hours of work that you should not be seen doing “nothing”.
Has slavery really been abolished?
Please withhold my name before I lose my only mean of income.
Name withheld

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