By Stabroek News
Copyright stabroeknews
Dear Editor,
As a Public Communications Analyst, it is alarming that in the 2020s, members of the workforce are still facing significant employment struggles. It has been brought to my attention that several employment practices in Guyana are not being conducted in accordance with national labour laws. Some companies are guilty of false advertising or fail to honour the terms of signed contracts. Others operate without proper human resource regulations, resulting in unfair layoffs and a lack of adequate systems to safeguard employees’ rights and welfare.
Guyanese labour legislation—particularly the Labour Act (Cap. 98:01) and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (Cap. 99:08)—clearly mandates that employees must receive overtime pay, severance, and other benefits as stipulated by law. The Ministry of Labour, which is responsible for enforcement, has repeatedly emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward breaches. In 2024 alone, the Ministry reported investigating over 400 workplace complaints, many relating to unfair dismissal, non-payment of overtime, and breaches of occupational safety standards. These laws exist to protect workers by establishing minimum standards for employment, yet violations continue to surface across multiple sectors, from construction to hospitality.
Furthermore, while the local job market appears saturated in certain industries, a clear skills mismatch persists. According to the Bureau of Statistics and the International Labour Organization (ILO), youth unemployment remains above 20%, with many job seekers lacking training in digital, technical, or vocational areas where demand is growing. International organizations such as the ILO and the Caribbean Development Bank have long championed the principle of decent work and equal opportunity, yet local implementation often lags behind global standards. Amid economic fluctuations and increased tariffs affecting regional trade, both employers and employees face added pressure. Despite recent increases in the national minimum wage, many workers continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, driven by inflation in food, transport, and housing sectors.
It is therefore imperative that government authorities, private sector leaders, and policymakers take a more proactive stance in ensuring compliance with labour legislation, promoting fair employment practices, and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every worker in Guyana. A stronger monitoring framework, combined with transparent reporting and public awareness, will help foster a culture of accountability and fairness in the workplace.
Mr Blane R Bunbury
Public Communications Analyst
& community advocate