Region 10 GPSU Rep calls for improved conditions for school cleaners

The Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Representative of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Maurice Butters, has repeated calls for improvement in the working conditions of part-time sweeper/cleaners employed by the Region 10 Administration.

This comes on the heels of numerous complaints made by several female staff who met with the representative on Wednesday, although he noted that the issues raised were not new. During the meeting, Butters shared the Union’s concerns in regard to a better life for those affected, as he pointed out that the cleaners, some of whom are in the system for over 20 years, are being paid half the minimum wage ($24,700 per month).
It was further highlighted that though employment contracts stipulate that cleaners work for between four and six hours per day, they are paid for only four hours of work.
The GPSU representative pointed out that the workers work under “alarming conditions,” and in many instances are not provided with the necessary work gear to execute their duties. He opined that administration does not see it fit to protect a fraction of those workers affected in this regard.
The representative pointed out that a cleaner recently died of lung infection, while another was hospitalized. Additionally, it was highlighted that cleaners, some of whom have already resumed duty, would be paid for only 2 weeks this month, their already meagre salaries being cut by half.
Explaining the situation, the cleaners noted that they are required to report for duty at 12:00hrs, though they cannot perform any tasks, given that school is in session at this time. Rather, their duties commence at 14:00hrs, when school is completed. However, they explained that in many instances they are forced to halt duties to facilitate classes, which convene for after school lessons, which is an additional inconvenience and results in additional working hours.
Additionally, they explained, the work load is immense and cannot be completed within the stipulated time. Butters noted that despite a discussion with the Regional Administration for an increase in working hours for the staff, he was told that no permission has been granted.
He added that he has received complaints also of teachers reprimanding and ill-treating   cleaners who attempt to clean during after-school lessons.
Cleaners noted that though schools are equipped with full-time employees, the bulk of the work falls on part- time cleaners, who are required to wait (in the case of after school lessons) to start their work, and cannot leave until it’s completed.
“We are standing very firm with these cleaners, and are calling on the administration to ensure that these people are properly employed and that they are able to provide for their families…We think it is time someone looks in the direction of these cleaners, and I’m hoping that this is done sooner (rather) than later,” Butters said.
He added he is appalled that, so far, no women’s organization has come out in defence of these female employees. Other issues such as insufficient cleaning agents at schools, being made to perform additional cleaning tasks other than what is stipulated in their work contracts, such as the cleaning of walls and curtains, (without additional payments), being made to fetch water, and non- permission of annual, sick and compassionate leave were also highlighted by the affected employees.
The cleaners have requested a meeting with the   President and First Lady to discuss these matters. They were advised by Butters to “put it to the test” by organising a 2-day peaceful protest “against the injustices” when school is re-opened. Another meeting has been planned before such time to discuss details of the sit out.