GOGEC unhappy with GAWU and OTWU Memorandum of Understanding

See below full statement issued by GOGEC:

The president of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Mr Manniram Prashad notes with concern an MOU signed between Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and Oilfield Workers Union (OWTU) of Trinidad and Tobago “to properly bargain for the fair treatment of workers and apply pressure for workers’ rights in Guyana.”

GOGEC has always advocated for Guyanese workers doing the same job as expatriates to be paid similar wages.

We respect good industrial relations and are at the forefront to ensure that we have a healthy industrial climate.

It is unfortunate that GAWU feels that foreign intervention is needed to represent oil and gas workers who are attempting to get unionized.

GOGEC is of the view that we have good industrial practices in the oil and gas sector, in which the Ministry of Labour has been monitoring closely and quite effectively.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Petrotrin experienced a series of strikes, protection actions and marches. Petrotrin was forced to close in 2008. The OWTU lost a significant amount of its membership.

We have a relatively stable industrial climate in the oil and gas sector in Guyana and we want it to remain that way. GOGEC is urging GAWU to reconsider its decision to bring in a foreign union and to seek help from other trade unions and experience trade unionists in Guyana in which there is abundance.