Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 23, 2014 Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
Having received responses to the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC)’s statement expressing opposition to a contract being awarded to the Guyana Prison Service to clean-up Le Repentir cemetery, some pointers needed to be addressed further. It is clear some are of the view that personal feelings rather than universal principles, rights and the rule of law should inform acceptance/rejection of the use of prison labour. In the creation of a modern, just and civilised nation, rights and the rule of law are considered key cornerstones. With the GTUC being guided by these principles, the view is not embraced or supported to cherry-pick the aforementioned.
The issue before us is a contract awarded to the Guyana Prison Service for prisoners to conduct work in the commercial space, in competition with other contractors. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions Nos. 29 and 105 speak to forced or compulsory labour and advocates for its elimination. While it is the view of some that prisoners must be put to work to maintain their upkeep, it must be understood that this can only be done consistent with universal principles which Guyana has embraced by being a signatory and which underpin our Decent Work Agenda and laws.
The Le Repentir cemetery falls within the purview of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. And its maintenance continues to be the responsibility of the council. There exists a contractual relationship between the employees and employer, among the trade unions and the city council. In fact, the City Council is a commercial space. Any work within this space, must be done by the council or on behalf of the council. Prisoners cannot be used to replace work being done by civilians.
Having taken note of Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul’s comments in response to the GTUC’s position, I am alarmed at the simplistic argument advanced on an issue that has local and international repercussions for Guyana and its workforce. To argue that this issue is merely a clean-up campaign, the exercise is for a limited period, and the small complement of prison labour that will be employed, is not a violation of ILO conventions, is to disregard said conventions and moreso the Decent Work Agenda, which he has the honour to lead. The core principles that underpinned this Agenda include looking out for and eliminating forced or compulsory labour. The Government of Guyana as a principal stakeholder cannot be violating the very principles it is a signatory to and desires the society’s labour relations to be guided by.
International conventions, charters, declarations and laws are made to ensure equality in the society, to protect the vulnerable from the mighty, bigoted, intolerant and ill-informed. As a nation we must strive to bring an end to the violation of laws, rights and universal principles. There is no legitimate justification for exploitation, regardless of how an individual or group is viewed. The issue of prison labour is clear and well enunciated in the ILO conventions and the Guyana Decent Work Agenda. Our politicians and government must act accordingly.
Lincoln Lewis
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