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Two weeks bonus for all healthcare professionals – President

President Irfaan Ali [second from right) at the unveiling of the sign at the Leonora Hospital (Office of the President photo)
President Irfaan Ali (second from right) at the unveiling of the sign at the Leonora Hospital (Office of the President photo)

President Irfaan Ali yesterday announced that all “health care professionals” will now be classified as frontline workers and receive a bonus equivalent to two weeks’ pay as part of his government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ali, while delivering the feature address at the Commissioning of the Leonora Smart Health Care Facility, explained that the reclassification and bonus are part of his September promise to protesting health workers to address their concerns before the end of the year.

In September workers at several public health facilities took to the streets calling for all health workers to be classified as “frontline workers” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore be eligible to receive a risk allowance. They also requested an increase in the risk allowance being offered, access to more personal protective equipment and a raise of pay.

In response government issued a threat to prosecute those who participated in industrial action and a promise to address their concerns via negotiations with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) if  proposed strike action was terminated. The strike action was initially suspended for “two weeks” to facilitate these negotiations.

Yesterday, Ali explained that Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony and the health team had attempted to devise a formula to define a frontline worker.

“We sat patiently looking around to see what we [could] do [and] have been able to cut programmes and come up with resources beyond the $150 million (budget allocation for frontline workers),” he explained before asking that citizens trust that government will act in their best interest.

“Salaries will no doubt increase. Allowances will increase and other non-salary benefits will improve because while you have this bonus you are also included in the children’s uniform grant, you are also included in all the social benefits government is giving to society,” the President said, while stressing that things will only get better as Guyana’s economy grows.

There was no mention in the announcement of the GPSU which has been advocating that all health workers to be classified as a ‘Frontline Worker’.

According to the release from the union on October 14 there was general support from the health workers that all categories of health workers must be classified as frontline workers and also must be paid a risk allowance, since the nature of their work requires that all categories of health care workers come into contact with COVID-19 patients, knowingly, or unknowingly, while performing their duties. It reasoned that attendants would be the first line of contact in the chain of events leading up to the patient’s eventual testing and subsequent admission to the COVID-19 Unit where the doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff  will continue to provide further supportive care.

The union has been silent since then even as the two-week negotiation timeline stretched into two months.

Ali, meanwhile has also announced as part of a 20,000 scholarship programme “special assistance for the field of health care” specifically public health, nursing, nursing assistant and pharmacist

“Focus on advancing your career and improving yourself,” he advised, explaining that health and education are the key foundation on which the society will advance and democracy is the bedrock on which it will grow.

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APNU+AFC makes strong Christmas demands for workers
- PPP regime ‘lil freck’ unacceptable
Our workers are the backbone of Guyana’s economy. Our workers toil day-by-day to build and sustain our nation. Our workers faithfully pay their taxes. Our workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
The APNU+AFC Coalition is therefore appalled by the unconscionable ‘lil freck’ of half month’s salary that the heartless and uncompassionate PPP regime is seeking to toss at some health care workers while marginalizing, side-lining and excluding others. This is disrespectful and unacceptable.
Cognizant of the difficult and challenging year that 2020 has been for all Guyanese, particularly for health care workers, public servants and members of the joint services, the APNU+AFC Coalition demands:
(1) That all public servants (including health care workers) and members of the joint services receive one month’s tax free compassionate payment (in addition to their December salary)
(2) That ALL health care workers receive an additional $100,000 BONUS above and beyond the one-month tax free compassionate payment as outlined in 1 above and their December salary.
Nothing less would be acceptable.
If the PPP regime can find billions of dollars to purchase luxury vehicles for themselves and tractors for a failing sugar industry then certainly it can find money for our workers, many of whom are experiencing difficult circumstances.
The APNU+AFC Coalition has a proud record of consistently paying significant end-of-year bonuses and generous salary increases to public servants and members of the joint services during our term in government.
We demand that workers be respected and treated with dignity and compassion. The APNU+AFC Coalition stands with all workers of Guyana.
- APNU+AFC Media Release, Friday, November 27, 2020
Django

What did the PNC give these poor workers, Oh they were busy thieving and filling their own pockets. Now they know what to ask for. Forever, back bench opposition.

PNC couldn't even run the Mad House.

K
@kp posted:

That's after they took 100% salary increase and splurge on new SUVs and renovate residences.

Salary wasn't increased by 100 % ,propaganda from FH.

So why the current government not returning the increases ? also the Government is spending GYD$428.1 million for the procurement of 50 vehicles.

Django
Last edited by Django

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