By Saskia Warrick
December 16, 2024
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is working to secure union representation within the expanding oil and gas industry.
This announcement was made by GAWU’s President, Seepaul Narine, during an interview with NCN News.
As the largest trade union in Guyana, representing nearly 10,000 workers across various sectors, GAWU is positioning itself to advocate for employees in the rapidly developing oil and gas industry.
Despite many oil and gas workers already signing union membership forms, many are hesitant to seek formal recognition due to fear of retaliation.
Narine remains hopeful that by next year, the environment will be more conducive to union recognition.
Additionally, GAWU is planning to intensify its efforts in the hospitality sector, another rapidly growing industry.
Narine commended the ongoing efforts of Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and the Chief Labour Officer for their support in addressing workers’ grievances, but emphasized that direct union representation remains the ultimate solution.
The union is focused on ensuring fair representation and advocating for workers’ rights in these emerging sectors.