Reg. 3 sweeper/cleaners welcome salary increases
― moved from $38,000 in 2014 to $64,200 in 2019
― part-time cleaners moved from $17,000 to $50,000
― also be entitled to annual leave
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 9, 2019
The Coalition Government, upon its assumption to office in May of 2015, recognised that sweeper/cleaners were not in receipt of a comfortable monthly salary and in July of 2015 increased the wages of these workers from $38,000 to $50,000. More increases followed and to date, the salary of sweeper/cleaners who are in the employ of respective government agencies is $64,200.
Appreciating the increase, sweeper/cleaners within the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region commended the government for a move they consider to be humane and just.
Indranie Singh, who is a single parent employed as sweeper/cleaner under the Regional Administration of Region 3, is now in a better position to cater for her children. “The money is bigger now, and I am able to enjoy holidays like Christmas better with my children. Before we would worry as to where we will get the extra dollar from… but now we are better off, and I must thank the government for making our lives better.”
Shanaz Alli, who cleans a school within the region, noted that not only has her salary increased but the environment in which she works has improved also. “Oh my, about five years back it was small money with hard work. The school building was falling apart and there was a lot of dust. But now, we have a better school and better pay. I am very contented with what the government did for us sweeper/cleaners.”
Part-time sweeper/cleaners have also benefitted from improved wages. In 2014, they received $17,000 a month but effective May 2019, they will receive $50,000 monthly. An increase of more than 150 per cent.
Jacqueline Blackett, a part-time cleaner in Region 3, smiled as she learnt of the increase which is effective from May 2019. “This is wonderful and a bit surprising because in four years we have now gotten three increases. In 2015, we moved from $17,000 to $31,000; in 2017 we moved from $31,000 to $41,000 and now we are moving to $50,000. To the government, I say thank you, for showing that you do care,” Blackett noted.
Not only will the sweeper cleaners receive a higher salary but they will also be entitled to annual leave.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.