‘We are working for you’- President assured workers on May Day
DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, May 1, 2018
President David Granger today assured the nation’s workers that the government is working “in their interest.”
The President and Ministers of government today met with union leaders and members at their headquarters, in observation of Labour Day.
The President noted that the government is cognisant of the circumstances under which Guyanese have been living for the past quarter century.
He explained that efforts to stabilise the sugar industry have limited the government’s resources. “We are tying to save workers’ lives and livelihoods by having an efficient sugar industry.”
However, President Granger pointed out that the increase in the minimum wage and old age pension coupled with the President’s Five Bs programme are all initiatives geared towards improving the lives of Guyanese.
Additionally, the advent of oil and gas will further improve the future for Guyanese President Granger pointed out.
“My brothers and sisters things can only get better. You have a strong union you have good relations with the union, we have very respectful relations with the union. So, we ask that you continue to support your union, continue to support investment in Guyana,” President Granger said.
The President was accompanied by Ministers of Social Protection Amna Ally and Keith Scott, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams SC, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings.
Minister Ally encouraged workers to continue supporting the government. “We have the workers at heart so we expect to get support in return,” she said.
The President and Ministers visited the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Guyana Local Government Workers Union (GLGOU), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Guyana Postal and Telecommunication’s Workers Union (GPTWU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU).
The theme for this year’s Labour Day observation is “Advancing Solidarity, Promoting Employment and Decent Work”.
By: Tiffny Rhodius