Resolution 20 : Violation of trade union rights by the government of Guyana

 The 29^th World Congress of Public Services International (PSI),
meeting in Durban, South Africa, on 27-30 November 2012

Whereas

The Cooperate Republic of Guyana is a member state of International Labour Organization (ILO) and as ratified 45 ILO conventions including conventions 87, 98 and 151.

And whereas

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has been issued a Certificate of Recognition to represent workers employed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and has recognition to represent workers of several other semi- autonomous state agencies.

And whereas

Over a period of several years the GPSU and its members have experienced numerous violations of their rights enshrined in national laws and in accordance with ILO Convention by the government of Guyana.

RESULTING

In the GPSU, with the assistance of the Public Service International, submitted in 2002 a complaint to the ILO against the government of Guyana for violations of Trade Union Rights and acting in conflict with its obligations under ILO Convention 151 - Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 classified as ILO Case No. 2187.

OBSERVING

That the government of Guyana in collaboration with several state agencies overtime has deliberately frustrated the progress of the ILO Committee in concluding the Committees’ examination and conclusion of the complaint.

Also OBSERVING

That the Committee’s examination of the complaint appears to be dormant.

RECOGNISING

However, that the violations and abuses have continued by the government of Guyana:

(i)   Denying the right to free collective bargain and imposing salary increases from 2000 to 2011 and other conditions of service;

(ii)  Not implementing arbitration decisions and not honouring collective agreements that are legally binding;

(iii) Obstructing the GPSU’s rights to represent its members;

(iv) Act unconstitutionally and unlawfully by not appointing the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, a constitutional body;

(v)  Denying the GPSU representative to be appointed to the PSC;

(vi) Acting in violation of convention 151 interfering in the internal affairs of the GPSU and intimidating members of the union.

INVITES

All PSI affiliates to join in solidarity within the GPSU and public service workers of Guyana in its struggle to have the privilege to enjoy trade union rights as enshrined in ILO convention 151 - Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978, and in the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

CALLS

On the government of Guyana to honour its obligations under ILO Convention 151, the laws of Guyana and legally binding collection labour agreements.

MANDATES

The General Secretary to request the ILO to continue and conclude its examination of Case No. 2187 taking into consideration current developments.

See all Congress resolutions including the Program of Action and the Constitution.