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A case of divide and rule
Dear Editor,
The two unions that represent the GPL employees, namely the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are desirous of holding joint negotiations with the GPL for their respective members. The GPL is opposed to this because of the following reasons
1) GPSU and NAACIE have distinct collective bargaining agreements with the two unions.
2) The unions have separate certificates of recognition as sole bargaining agents for their respective categories of employees.
3) GPL has always negotiated separately with the two unions and there is nothing in the law or in the existing collective labour agreements requiring them to do otherwise.
4) The unions’ arguments for joint negotiations are baseless and will create conflicts of interest.
These explanations are all very lame, hollow and pathetic. The third is especially ridiculous because how can you refer to existing collective labour agreements while stating that they expired in 2003.
Secondly, while no law or agreement demands joint negotiations, neither do any forbid/prevent them. What is wrong with undertaking these negotiations in good faith?
I firmly believe that strong political undercurrents are at work here. NAACIE is generally perceived to be pro government. GPSU on the other hand is perceived to be pro opposition. The government does not like the idea of two unions from different sides of the political divide co-operating to represent workers because this could lead to similar efforts elsewhere (perhaps at national level) and ultimately to a reconciliation between FITUG and GTUC.
In the government’s opinion, a fractured trade union movement best serves its interests.
I have no doubt that Dindyal, Brassington and board member/trade unionist Carvil Duncan are under strict instructions from their political masters not to permit joint negotiations.
Edward Mooreley
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