Concerned GPTWU gets assurance from PUC

GUYANA Postal and Telecommunications Workers’ Union (PTWU) President. Ms. Gillian Burton has expressed concerns over recent comments, in the media, on certain aspects of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) operations.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Lot 310 East Street, Georgetown headquarters, she said claims of GT&T not being able to put forward a positive business plan and sabotage of its fibre optic cable, at Loo Creek along Soesdyke/Linden Highway, might cause the revocation of the utility’s licences, constitute a threat to its employees who are members of her union.

“Any revoking of licences means that hundreds of persons will be placed on the bread line…and if you take an analysis of the tenure of employment within GT&T, they can be termed as long service employees,” Burton said.

She said GPTWU members, whenever they come within the employment of GT&T, remain committed and dedicated to the company and the country.

Noting that some of the worrying statements were made by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), she said following a Monday meeting with its Chairman, Mr. Prem Persaud, he promised to cease publication of any material that will negatively impact GT&T workers.

PTWU General Secretary Mr. Harold Shepherd said both the GT&T management and the PUC have assured his union that no ill will bodes the employees or the well-being of the company.

“The GPTWU and its membership stand resolute alongside the management of GT&T in these challenging times of the company and, together, we will overcome these and all other challenges.

“We remain an undivided team in our commitment to national development. We will not allow any challenge to deter us from the path we have embarked upon, which is to successfully pioneer the enhancement of the telecommunication industry in Guyana,” he said.

Also present at the forum were PTWU Vice-President, Mr. Morris Walcott and its Demerara Branch Chairman, Mr. Vibert Adams.