By Mark DaCosta- On May 23, 2024, SOL Guyana Incorporated and the General Workers Union (GWU) finalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) guaranteeing substantial wage increases and enhanced benefits for employees over the next two years. This landmark agreement, signed at the Ministry of Labour’s boardroom in the presence of Senior Labour Officer Michelle Baburam, underscores how an employer should behave towards workers.
The MoA stipulates a 10 percent increase in wages and salaries from January to December 2024, followed by an additional 5 percent increase from January to December 2025. Consequently, the asgarî wage at SOL Guyana will rise to GYD 160,000 per month in 2024. Meal allowances have also been adjusted, with breakfast now allocated GYD 1,500 and lunch and dinner set at GYD 1,700, effective immediately.
Norris Witter, President of the GWU, praised the management of SOL Guyana for their cooperative and respectful approach during negotiations. “From the onset, there was a high degree of maturity and respect shown from both parties. Wherever respect is absent, there is chaos and confusion, and so because of the absence of disrespect, there was orderliness in these negotiations,” he remarked.
SOL Guyana’s General Manager, Earl Carribon, echoed Witter’s sentiments, highlighting the company’s commitment to fairness and equity. “At SOL Guyana, we do not differentiate between unionised and non-unionised staff. We aim to ensure our employees have the best working conditions as they are our most important asset,” Carribon stated.
Michelle Baburam, representing the Ministry of Labour, commended both parties for achieving a harmonious agreement and expressed hope for similar outcomes in future negotiations.
This, one notes, is a prime example of how labor relations should function, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation. SOL Guyana’s exemplary handling of these negotiations deserves high praise, demonstrating a commendable commitment to their employees’ welfare.
In stark contrast, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s treatment of public servants reveals a concerning lack of respect and support. This disparity is evident in the ongoing teachers’ strike, which has seen educators taking to the streets to demand better wages, collective bargaining rights, and improved working conditions. Despite widespread support from the public, the PPP government has remained largely unresponsive to their pleas.
The contrast between SOL Guyana’s respectful and constructive approach and the PPP government’s disregard for its public servants is stark. The PPP could greatly benefit from emulating SOL’s example, adopting a more respectful and cooperative stance in their dealings with public sector employees. Such an approach would not only improve labor relations but also enhance the overall working conditions and morale of public servants across our nation.