Workers at Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) Stage Ongoing Picketing Protests Over Wage Disputes

Workers associated with Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) have entered the second day of their picketing activities, protesting the non-payment of promised wage increases. These demonstrations are occurring across the country, with notable gatherings including a group braving the rain at GPL’s Sophia location in Georgetown.

Supported by their union, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the workers initiated their protests on Wednesday and have continued into Thursday. Although not officially on strike, the employees are using their lunch breaks to express their dissatisfaction regarding the wage increase issue.

In December of the previous year, NAACIE issued an ultimatum to GPL regarding wage negotiations. The conflict arose following the government’s announcement of a 10 percent wage increase agreement with various trade unions. However, GPL contended that as of January 2024, they had only implemented a 3 percent wage increase and could not provide the additional 7 percent.

After lengthy negotiations, facilitated by the Ministry of Labour, the union ultimately accepted the proposed 7 percent increase on January 24. Despite this agreement, NAACIE’s General Secretary, Dawchan Naggasar, stated that GPL management has yet to sign the agreement, citing a pending approval from the finance ministry as the reason for the delay.

Picketing activities are taking place in various locations, including New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Onverwagt, Sophia, Main Street, and Wakenaam. Workers at Wakenaam reported that they were redirected from Sophia on Thursday morning in an attempt to disband their picket line. Nonetheless, they continued to utilize their lunch breaks to join the protest alongside their colleagues.