GGMC says it is not “uncaring” agency

Jan 18, 2015 News

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– highlights job benefits in wake of workers’ industrial action

In light of industrial action which began at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) since late last year, the agency has expressed its deep concern for its employees claiming that their welfare is “paramount”.
The semi-autonomous body which performs oversight duties within the extractive sector, along with the subject ministry – Natural Resources and the Environment – has seen protest action outside of their offices throughout the week. The GGMC staffers are seeking increases on their current salary.

According to the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), which represents the workers, it had given the GGMC management up to November 14, last, to reach an agreement on a revised increase for the workers. The agreement did not materialize.
GGMC has stated, however, that given the recent industrial action undertaken by its staffers with the support of the Guyana Public Service Union, the Commission seeks, “to clarify the perception that may be created that staffs of the Commission are not being treated fairly or that the Commission is uncaring towards the welfare and well-being of its staff.”
The entity said that several benefits are in place that all staffers of the Commission receive. According to them, female non-managerial employees receive uniform material along with a sewing allowance to the tune of $20,000 and receive further, one shirt to be worn on Fridays, if they so desire.
The Commission continued that field staffers receive a Pants Allowance of $26,000 along with four shirts, four jerseys and a flap hat or cap. Male office staffers receive Pants Allowance in the sum of $21,000 along with four shirts and one jersey. All confirmed Managers are in receipt of an annual Uniform Allowance, while all managers and their deputies receive a monthly telephone allowance of $16,000 and $8,000 respectively.
Leave and Leave Passage Allowance is given every year upon the completion of one year’s service. The agency said further that employees on “salary scale 11-14” are eligible to receive a monthly Travelling Allowance, provided that the vehicle is used for the execution of duties. Employees are also in receipt of Field and Subsistence Allowances for out of town assignments and those working in the electrical and carpentry workshop and labs are also entitled to Risk Allowance of $500 per day. Payment of Risk Allowance to workshop tradesmen is based on the type of assignments undertaken.
The agency went on to say that all retirees are entitled to receive a farewell function and persons on scale 1-9 receive one month salary and those on scale 10-14 receive 50 percent of their basic salary as Retirement Allowance.
GGMC highlighted that the benefits received by the workers included those living in the East Coast and West Coast Demerara areas receiving a subsidized bus transportation service to and from work.
In the event of the death of an employee’s immediate relative, funeral assistance is offered based on years of service. Employees who work with the agency for one to nine years receive an allowance of $10,000; 10-20 years receive $25,000 and those employed for 21 years and over receive $40,000.
GGMC said that staffers are given the opportunity to study either through the Scholarship Programme at University of Guyana or receive Sponsorship to pursue studies related to their jobs at other recognized institutions. Provision of various types of training, internal and external, to enhance employee job performance at the Commission, is also available. Employees are in receipt of food vouchers at the end of each calendar year and all field staffers receive Field and Safety Boots every two years.
Staff loans are also available, the agency related. Employees with children of school age can apply for a small loan of up to $35,000 in the month of August to assist with purchasing school supplies. Employees who fall on a salary scale between 10 -14 are also eligible to apply for a loan to purchase a Motor Vehicle at a subsidized interest rate.
The pension and medical scheme says that after a period of one year’s service with the Commission, permanent employees are required to contribute 5 percent of their basic salary to the GGMC Pension Scheme which is with Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company.
GGMC said employees are encouraged to join the Medical Insurance scheme with FRANDEC after confirmation, but this is optional. Employees are said to be covered under Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance policies.
Among other mentioned benefits, employees tendering resignation letters receive a gift in the form of cash which is valued based on their years of service. This goes to as much as $30,000 for 15 years of service and more.
Bursary awards for staffers’ children who performed well at school was also highlighted among the benefits. GGMC concluded that under the Revolving Loan Fund Scheme, employees are given loans to purchase land and to assist with repairs and construction of their homes.
The GGMC staffers are seeking a 35 percent increase in their wages and salaries. GPSU President Patrick Yarde stated on Friday, last, that he is frustrated by the “selective” handling of agreements. GPSU has blamed the industrial action on the agency’s management team since the Union is adamant that the GGMC board could bring the strike to an end.
In December, the Union managed to acquire an 8 per cent interim increase for workers, but negotiations for 2013 and 2014 are yet to be finalised.

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