Govt agencies to negotiate with FUGE despite GPSU wage impasse
By Kim Lucas
Stabroek News
October 24, 2002
Government-related agencies whose employees are not represented by the GPSU will shortly be advised to start negotiations with other unions over 2002 wages and salaries.
Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry (PSM), Dr Nanda Gopaul, who is also head of the Public Service, when contacted yesterday indicated that he would advise the agencies to commence wage talks.
According to Dr Gopaul, it was usual for the agencies to await the outcome of talks with the main Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) prior to engaging other unions.
But with the present wage talks between government and the GPSU not yet concluded ten months into the year, the agencies are being advised to immediately commence talks.
The Federation of Unions of Government Employees (FUGE) on Tuesday released a copy of a letter sent to Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford, expressing their concerns at the non-commencement of wage talks.
The correspondence to the minister signed by FUGE's Secretary, Earl Welsh, said the agencies are saying "that they cannot discuss wages/salaries and other working conditions since they have to be instructed by government on the quantum etc. above which they can't go."
According to the letter, the organisation recalled that Dr Gopaul had told them that government had no objection to the entities entering into free collective bargaining regarding wages/salaries and other conditions of employment.
They said they found it difficult to understand reasons for the ministry refusing to have discussions with FUGE and further, instructing the government related agencies to refrain from entering into discussions with their respective unions.
FUGE said "that should any industrial action result, they should not be held responsible, and that the leadership will stand fully supportive of the action."
Dr Gopaul however saw no reason why the agencies, which include, the National Insurance Scheme, the Transport and Harbours Department, the National Parks Commission and the Guyana Post Office Corporation could not meet with unions. According to the PS these agencies are free to bargain within certain guidelines. He promised to investigate the issue further. (Oscar P. Clarke)