CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s response to the comments made by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), dated 28 October 2003, has not been received.

1. The Committee notes that the ICFTU alleges: (1) the absence of legislation against anti-union discrimination; (2) the imposition of working conditions in the public sector by means of circulars issued by the administration, frequently ignoring collective bargaining agreements; (3) refusal by the Forestry Commission to recognize the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); and (4) direct negotiation by the President of Guyana with the workers of the bauxite industry, ignoring the trade union. The Committee once again requests the Government to send its observations on these matters.

2. The Committee will address the remaining issues (requirement of 40 per cent support of workers for the recognition of a trade union) next year, in the framework of the regular reporting cycle.