…also urges more support for sugar sector in Budget 2024
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has made a number of intercessions to the Government during its 2024 budget consultations, including for performance-based incremental increases in public wages and strengthened labour laws.
A few days ago, FITUG met with the Government, whose delegation included Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, and officials from the Labour, Agriculture, and Finance Ministries.
FITUG’s team was led by its President, Carvil Duncan. It included Vice President Sherwood Clarke, General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, Treasurer Seepaul Narine, and Executive Committee members Aslim Singh, Porandatt Narine, Taramattie Dyal, and Gordon Thomas.
During the meeting, FITUG proposed a number of measures for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to consider for Budget 2024. For instance, the Union suggested changes to the income tax threshold and the rate of taxation, as well as a system of tax credits for taxpayers with dependents.
“FITUG also highlighted that the adjustments in the income tax regime would not necessarily benefit all workers. Therefore, it reiterated its previous call for the national minimum wage and public sector minimum wage to be equated as a starting point towards reaching a living wage.”
“The Federation shared that its proposals in this respect were in line with the recent statements made by President Irfaan Ali, who expressed the Government’s inclination to make adjustments to the income tax regime and the national minimum wage to benefit the working class,” FITUG said.
In addition to recommending improvements in old age pension and public assistance, another suggestion was for the Government to adjust pensions paid by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which has remained unchanged for some time, as a matter of urgency. Additionally, it was recommended that incremental pay increases be implemented for public servants and for labour legislation to be strengthened.
“The Federation has suggested that the budget consider the introduction of pay increments within the public service to ensure that workers who perform credibly are appropriately recognised. Such measures could encourage greater work performance and enhance such workers’ pay levels. The Federation recommends that these measures be realised through discussions with the relevant bargaining agents across the public service,” FITUG said.
“The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen labour legislation in the country. It acknowledged that the current situation is fast-evolving. Therefore, appropriate interventions are necessary to establish a robust legal framework that would protect workers’ rights and ensure that they are upheld at work.”
According to FITUG, it is important that the Government look into labour productivity and that the capacity of the Ministry of Labour be strengthened, so that the necessary protection can be given to workers.
“FITUG called for the Government to look into the question of labour productivity, as it feels that workers are sometimes overworked, which could lead to disenchantment and hinder the adoption of appropriate technologies to improve productivity.”
“Labour productivity is paramount, and as the country progresses economically, it becomes even more critical to ensure that people and the country prosper equally,” FITUG explained.
FITUG recommended that the Government take appropriate measures to invest in community infrastructure. Another call was also made for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to provide support for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
“It recognised that there had been improvements, but there was still more work to be done. In this regard, it called on the Government to continue to assist in improving the capacity and capability of the sugar industry,” the Federation said.
FITUG also called on the Government to take necessary actions to address reckless driving on the roadways, urging the use of technology. Another recommendation was for more attention to be paid to occupational safety and health (OSH).
Meanwhile, FITUG said the Government delegation welcomed these suggestions and that the meeting was a productive one that saw the Government committing to consider them.
