-says brain drain from health sector has become national crisis
While hailing the December 10, 2024 agreement on wages and salaries with the Ministry of the Public Service as “significant”, the GPSU has lamented that public servants continue to be underpaid when compared to the “political elites” and called for its members to be treated with respect.
As it celebrates its 102nd anniversary, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Saturday reflected on its achievements since its inception in 1923 that have bettered the working conditions of public servants while acknowledging that there are still many more hurdles to overcome.
Noting that this historic milestone “is a testament to the Union’s unwavering dedication to the rights, dignity, and advancement of Public Servants across Guyana,” the GPSU asserted that this year’s theme, “102 Years and Still Standing Strong – Championing the Rights of Public Sector Workers” is not just a slogan, but a declaration of its enduring commitment to its mission and motto, “Justice for the Public Employee,” even in the face of political, economic, and institutional adversity.
It added that in 2022, the GPSU played a “pivotal role” in securing an increase in the private sector minimum wage from $44,200 to $60,000 per month, as it continues its call for wage parity between private and public sector wages. Further, based on its cost-of-living analysis, it has concluded that a minimum net income of $224,000 per month is essential for basic needs.
And while full equity remains outstanding, the union noted that the 2025 National Budget reflected the following partial progress: a) income tax threshold increased from $100,000 to $130,000; b) personal income tax rates reduced from 28% to 25% and from 40% to 35%; and c) the introduction of a $50,000 monthly child allowance.
According to the GPSU, a significant agreement with the Ministry of the Public Service was signed on December 10, 2024, laying the foundation for ongoing improvements in working conditions, and signalling a renewed commitment to constructive engagement and public sector reform.
The release also said that since the appointment of Dr Ashni Singh as Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more respectful and constructive relationship with the GPSU. “This renewed tone of engagement is promising and, if sustained, could lead to meaningful progress and a stronger partnership in addressing the needs of public servants.”
It, however, asserted that it is “imperative” that governments respect and comply with court rulings that uphold the rights of workers, particularly those who have lawfully defended themselves and have been granted justice through legal proceedings.
Furthermore, it declared that any breaches of Public Service Rules, violations of members’ rights, whether through political interference, intimidation, or arbitrary decision-making, acts in conflict with established procedures and must be condemned and rectified. “A just and professional public service cannot exist without respect for due process, consistency in enforcement, and ethical governance”, it said.
The release also called on the President of Guyana and the Leader of the Opposition to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to substantively appoint the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Acting Chief Justice to their posts. “It would be ideal for these long-overdue appointments to be finalised before September 1, 2025, the scheduled date for the General and Regional Elections. These appointments are vital for judicial independence and public confidence”, the GPSU said.
However, despite its record of service, the GPSU acknowledged that it has faced deep challenges for many years. It made mention of governments who have claimed to have working-class credentials, but have increasingly bypassed collective bargaining, and arbitrarily replaced genuine dialogue with unilateral decisions. This “erosion”, it noted, of check-off systems, (agency shop) and other agreements, along with the de-recognition of the GPSU’s role in key agencies, and the dismantling of training and development programmes, all reflect a coordinated attempt to weaken the union’s influence and divide the workforce.
Focusing on the treatment of public servants, the release highlighted that many who have contributed to decades of national development, are now too often viewed as dependents of state generosity rather than as merited professionals. Further, the real wages of public servants are eroded by inflation, and too many are remunerated inadequately in contrast to those political elites who benefit from disproportionate salary increases, the release asserted. This, coupled with the rise of contract labour, erosion of job security, and weakening of collective bargaining, reflect not just a disregard for the GPSU, but a broader abandonment of good governance and respect for labour rights, the release added.
In view of the aforementioned, the GPSU issued a demand that the government, and all future governments of Guyana, treat public servants with the respect they have earned. “Let that respect be seen not only in words, speeches and campaigns, but in fair wages, better benefits, allowances, bonuses, and policies, that truly value their contributions. Public servants are not burdens; they are partners in building Guyana’s future”, it said.
Touching on Guyana’s burgeoning oil wealth and economic transformation, the union sees this as a situation that presents both opportunity and crisis, because as infrastructure is expanding, the workers, the nation’s greatest resource, are leaving. It pointed out that healthcare workers, teachers, and skilled professionals, are migrating in search of better pay, working conditions, and respect. The brain-drain, particularly from the health sector, has become a national crisis, with hospitals losing experienced nurses, clinics lacking sufficient staff, resulting in strained Public Health systems.
“While we welcome returning professionals, we must retain and reward those who have stayed. The culturally grounded expertise of Guyanese-trained workers is irreplaceable. We ask: What is the government’s plan to reverse this trend? How do we make public institutions places of growth and pride?”
To mitigate this crisis, the GPSU is urging that a comprehensive national retention strategy be implemented. This would include: a) competitive compensation and benefits; b) professional development opportunities; c) affordable housing for public servants; d) clear career advancement pathways; and e) national and international exchange programmes.
And adding to the brain drain, many retirees are now being recruited to work overseas, further depleting the nation’s skilled workforce and as far as the union is concerned, this situation requires an immediate review to increase the compulsory retirement age, so as to allow qualified individuals to continue serving the nation, while preserving early retirement options for those who need them. “Retaining institutional knowledge is essential for continuity and growth. Let us invest in our people as seriously as we invest in our infrastructure”, the union argued.
