FITUG: Involvement of all critical to addressing workers’ challenges

Nov 24, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has recognised the recent announcement by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali regarding pay rises for 2022. In his address, the President contextualized the eight (8) percent pay rise to State employees within the framework of other measures approved by his government since coming into office. Indeed, we have taken note of those measures and we believe they were undoubtedly aimed at improving the lives and well-being of our ordinary people. This has not escaped our attention and kudos where appropriate. We, however, have shared the view that we do not believe that every measure reached the intended beneficiaries – the ordinary people. It calls into question the axiom of trickle-down economics which has attracted some deal of criticism in recent years.

We are, however, of the considered view that had it not been for the proactive measures of the Government to mitigate the exogenous challenges, the cost-of-living would have been much higher. We are conscious that every measure has a limitation, and in some instances, such as the excise tax on fuel, that threshold was reached. Despite the proactiveness of the Administration to ease the situation, we have recognised the Ministry of Finance 2022 Mid-Year report informing that inflation up to June 2022 stood at 4.9 percent. More recent data from the Bureau of Statistics recorded that inflation had risen to 6.5 percent up to the end of September 2022. Should this trend remain consistent then there is a real fear that in spite of the improvement granted workers may see a regression in their real earnings. We are certainly hopeful this is not the case and more updated data will allow us to draw an informed view.

The Federation has noted as well that statements juxtaposing the increase approved within the context of long-term sustainability. Such contentions cannot be discounted. We believe that data to provide a greater understanding would be helpful. Alongside such views we have heard of the need to invest today for a sound tomorrow. Given the deficits in health, education, housing, and infrastructure to name a few it is difficult to argue with such contentions. While certainly there is always a need to keep an eye on the future, we recognize too that we should not ignore our present-day circumstances. They have implications for the future as well and, we believe, there is an undoubted need to ensure that we promote efforts to ensure egalitarianism in our society.

The FITUG has seen too statements advancing the upholding of Collective Bargaining. Before speaking specifically to the issue, we cannot fail to recognize that some who espouse the concept of Collective Bargaining in a past era trampled wantonly on it. Today they come with crocodile tears heralding its value. As a trade union organization that is mindful of our history and the struggles of the working-class, we believe every effort should be further to involve the representatives of the workers. We believe in an atmosphere of respectful, frank and mature discussions much could be accomplished across the table. We are conscious such suggestions may evoke strong responses but given the stage of our development, the involvement of all is critical to our long-term success as a nation and people.

The President in his announcement has indicated that further efforts are being pursued to address the earnings of lower-earning workers. Already we have recognised that trainee teachers will no longer receive a stipend. These are credible measures which can go a long way. We nonetheless hold the view collaboration with all stakeholders can lend to credible outcomes in the interest of all Guyanese. In this regard, the pay rise announcement, we hold, as a first step to addressing some of the challenges the workers face.
Regards,

Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

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