GPTWU continues protest action against GTT

Jun 28, 2016 News

The alleged imposition of working conditions by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on their employees without consulting the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers Union (GPTWU) had led to protest action by the GPTWU and GTT employees a few weeks back.
Secretary of GPTWU, Eslyn Harris, said that GTT had signed a collective labour agreement with the GPTWU earlier this year. It is totally disregarding this agreement.

A section of the Protesters in front of GTT’s Head Office on Brickdam

This newspaper spoke with a few of the disgruntled employees who called for their rights to be respected and for management to communicate with GPTWU before any decisions are made that would affect their welfare.
One of the main issues of the workers and the Union was the company’s move to offer employees over 50 years old, a voluntary retirement package.
GPTWU President, Harold Shepherd, had rejected the proposal by GTT. He pointed out that the move to pay these workers their full pension and an added ten weeks’ pay would only result in them being shortchanged.
The GPTWU President along with other Union members and a few dozen GTT workers yesterday, yet again took to the street in protest action.
They held placards which called on the GTT administrators to stop “fooling the public”. They questioned whether things were going smoothly inside of the telecoms giant operations.
Yesterday Shepherd said that GTT has not contacted the union on the issues that were raised during the previous protest. He continued that GTT had only sent a letter to the Union proposing some additional changes to the Collective Labour Agreement.
When reached for comment GTT Public Relations Officer (PRO) Allison Parker told this publication that GTT stands by its statement from the previous protest.
GTT had contended that GTT’s leadership supports the rights of their employees and joins the Union in rallying for continuous and improved working conditions.

However, the administration made it clear that it would not be intimidated when it comes to striking a balance between rights and the long-term sustainability of the company.
“Our employees have the right to voice their issues and concerns; but we are about to commence Collective Labour Agreement discussions and as such we will engage in dialogue when at the bargaining table. GTT will not sway otherwise,” stated GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd.
“We care about our employees and we continue to actively work with them and the GPTWU to listen, understand and address concerns.
“As such, we look forward to our ongoing meetings and collaboration with the GPTWU in implementing changes that benefit both GTT employees and the company as a whole, especially as we prepare to enter a more competitive environment.
“But these discussions have proven to be much more productive when we engage in a professional and cordial manner,” Nedd added.

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