The failure of Government to afford public workers a Christmas bonus or the customary retroactive increase this year has been condemned by public sector unions, among them the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).GTUC President,Nick Perry Packers Jersey, Gillian BurtonAt a recent press briefing, President of the union,Mel Blount Steelers Jersey UK, Gillian Burton, said that non-payment of the anticipated increase is another transgression on public workers in Guyana.She pointed out that the move is also a diversion from the traditional act of the payment of a Christmas bonus to workers, who continue to earn meagre wages and salaries and work under very poor conditions.“The traditional bonus,Washington Nationals Gio Gonzalez Jersey, as we all know, comes to pad the meagre pay packages of these workers so that they can be able to participate in a decent way in the festivities of the season,Drew Bledsoe Patriots Jersey UK,” she speculated.However,Lawrence Timmons Steelers Jersey, Burton noted, the union has since been informed that, while the Christmas pay will not be forthcoming,Jon Casey Jersey, it is likely that consideration might be given for them to get such a payment in the new year.“We are wondering if the payment of the Christmas bonus has now been diverted to the increase of wages and salaries in the new year, something that is much needed; it gives cause for undue stress at this point in time.”The continued escalation of the prices of commodities was cited by Burton as a cause for concern when the wages and salaries of workers are considered.“The pittance packages that they receive cannot do for them to do any kind of sustenance for themselves and their families…And we know that the non-payment of a Christmas bonus to them has caused them great stress and discomfort.”The failure to pay the extra sum was also regarded as a lack of regard for the economic discomfort being experienced by the workers, Burton said.“We condemn the very act that, while many can afford to enjoy the fun and frolic of the festive season, those who toil by their blood, their sweat and their tears daily to contribute to the development of this country are being kept from enjoying the mere festivity of the season that they are entitled to,” Burton articulated.The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has also noted its concern over the fact that public servants would be denied the customary increase this year, pointing out that it is not in conformity with any agreement entered into with public sector unions.According to President of the union, Patrick Yarde,Brian Poole Falcons Jersey, Parliament’s approval of levels of remuneration which are considered sufficient for the public worker to enjoy a reasonable existence is a gross misrepresentation of reality.“This has resulted in Guyana’s public workers being driven further into abject poverty, with an estimated 80 per cent of them existing below the poverty line. The payment of increases in salaries well below the rate of inflation has resulted in a decline in the purchasing power of the public workers…,” Yarde disclosed.It was noted, too,Rocky Bleier Steelers Jersey, that the GPSU considers the state of affairs to be unsatisfactory, unconscionable, uncaring, and unfair to public workers, and therefore it (the GPSU) demands that the matter be addressed.It was also recommended by the GPSU that Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, propose a supplementary estimate to facilitate the payment of remuneration to public workers before the end of this year, in order to remedy short payments.