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Bauxite union accuses Labour Minister of non-cooperation

Mar 14, 2010 News

The impasse between the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) has entered its fourth month with a seeming unwillingness by the Ministry of Labour to execute its legal responsibility to bring about a resolution is of grave concern.
The union has written several letters to the parties (Ministry and company) to commence discussion consistent with the labour laws and collective labour agreement. It is yet to see any action on the government’s part.
Two weeks ago, General Secretary (ag.), Leslie Gonsalves, called the Office of the Chief Labour Officer (CLO) to inquire into the matters before the Ministry for conciliation between the company and union and was advised that the CLO is on leave. “When an officer proceeds on leave someone acts for him because the work must go”.
Following on the government’s inaction, the company instructed workers to attend a meeting last Wednesday at Aroaima. This meeting was convened by the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
The workers are resisting this recent attempt to deny them their rights and did not turn up for the meeting but were told their absence and refusal to sign the prepared form requesting NAACIE be their union will not prevent NAACIE from representing them since that is the union of the company’s choice and they have the support of the government.
This clear violation of worker’s rights, conventions, laws and acts of bullyism by RUSAL/BCGI in collaboration with the Government and NAACIE is another manifestation of the subversion of democratic values and the orchestrated programme to destroy independent and democratic institutions in the society.
The union did request and had engagement in January with the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board, chaired by its Chairman, Justice Prem Persaud, and was subsequently advised that the Board informed the company that the GB&GWU is the official bargaining agent for the workers at BCGI and until the Board has certified a new union the company will have to deal with the GB&GWU.
It is therefore disturbing that the company is flouting the position of the Board and is taking measures in contravention of the Trade Union Recognition Act, Chapter 98:07. What is even more disturbing is that a union (NAACIE) that claims to be championing the rights of workers is now in an alliance to deny workers their rights in pursuit of narrow political agenda.
GB&GWU has since taken a decision to intensify the struggle by embarking on a worldwide petition in collaboration with the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM), the global federation, and Labour Start, seeking support from friends of labour and supporters of justice to register their complaint to the Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir.
The petition addresses the wrongful dismissal of workers; violations of international conventions; and the company’s coercive, intimidating, forceful and illegal acts to de-recognise the union.

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