Latest update November 22nd, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

AFC joins call for immediate reinstatement of RUSAL workers

Dec 05, 2009 News

The Alliance For Change yesterday called for the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed workers of the Guyana Bauxite Mining Company, the resumption of the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) and for the traditional Union representing the workers to be recognised.
This was voiced yesterday at the party’s press briefing where, Raphael Trotman, head of the AFC, was of the opinion that the government is working against the bauxite workers.
Trotman told the media that the party had been “reliably informed” that the ruling administration namely the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has “surreptitiously” arranged for the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) to be replaced as the representative union for the workers at Aroaima.
“The device to be used for this is apparently a contrived poll to be done for union recognition.”
The AFC leader disclosed that they had made contact with the foreign bauxite mining agency and had requested “by way of letter dated November 30, to appreciate the hardship that its decision creates, and to resume operations by recognising the CLA.”
The opposition party calls for the action to take effect by this weekend or early next week “at the latest we have every reason to believe that the request will be honoured,” said Trotman.
The AFC leader also appealed to the RUSAL Company “not to be a party to this dishonesty.”
They also encouraged the GB&GWU and the workers “to hold firm and fast to their principles and to be on guard for the thief that plans to at them come at night.”
The party also reached out to the Ministry of Labour, saying that they should “not to interfere or allow its agencies to be used for illegal and improper purposes.”
It was pointed out that the recent impasse between RUSAL and its workers “is a violation of two fundamental motivating principles that underpin national development and cohesion.”
They also found it ironic that the PPP Government had chosen to side with a corporation, “which had not been kind to our workers and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.”
The AFC also believes that RUSAL has acted in breach of Guyana’s law, “by derecognising the labour union.”
The opposition party further believes that there are still means by which the interests of the workers can be enhanced “we are of the view that all avenues have not been exhausted that can bring about immediate improvements in the welfare of workers.”
Chief Executive Officer of the party, Peter Ramsaroop, who was also on hand, said that the actions by RUSAL and the PPP Government are inconsistent with two of the 14 motivating economic principles which the AFC has for developing Guyana in one generation in the post 2011 era.
According to Ramsaroop, the party is seeking to promote a caring relationship, shared responsibility, and joint social purpose between labour (and their unions) and the essential capitalist or investor class.
“We believe that labour and capitalist investors, in real production rather than finance speculators, must be the primary focus of the joint social purpose and partnership.”
He stated that the AFC’s economic policies are aimed at enhancing the productivity of our people, firms and industries.
“We realise that the only way to increase the wage  and hence welfare of Guyanese in the long-term is through the enhanced productivity of labour and capital.”

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Green Machine returns to RAN Sevens

Green Machine returns to RAN Sevens

Nov 22, 2024

-Guyana to face Canada today By Rawle Toney The Green Machine, Guyana’s national rugby team, is set to make its mark at this year’s Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship, hosted at...
Read More
GASA snubs Delroy Tyrrell for World Championships

GASA snubs Delroy Tyrrell for World Championships

Nov 22, 2024

Cricket Australia appoints former West Indian Captain Carl Hooper as a Multicultural Ambassador

Cricket Australia appoints former West Indian...

Nov 22, 2024

GBA appoints International Technical Officer Elton Chase as Technical Director

GBA appoints International Technical Officer...

Nov 22, 2024

Warriors triumph but Royals lead standings

Warriors triumph but Royals lead standings

Nov 22, 2024

 D-Up Basketball Academy Training camp brings Hoop Dreams to Life with Region 3 Jamboree

 D-Up Basketball Academy Training camp brings...

Nov 21, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]