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GPL workers on countrywide strike for more money

Nov 23, 2010 News

– say company made $2B profit in 2009

Hundreds of workers of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) went on a countrywide strike as wage talks fell through.   The hardest hit departments were the Transmission and Distribution and the Generation section, all crucial to the operations of the state-owned utility company.
GPL warned that members of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), are aware of possible repercussions while the union said that the company has made enough money to pay.
Both GPL and NAACIE issued separate statements yesterday. According to NAACIE, all sectors of the utility company were affected by the strike action yesterday.
The union blamed GPL for the strike actions and said that it stemmed from the “refusal to discuss an increase in wages/salary for its workers” who are represented by NAACIE. The union noted that a proposal for negotiations was sent since the first quarter of 2010.
“The union has informed the Management of the GPL of its fullest support for the workers on strike and reminded them of the indication of frustration by the negotiation team during the meetings held to discuss monetary increases.”
According to NAACIE, it is aware of GPL’s ability to pay the increase, as asked for in this year’s proposal. It was also disclosed that “GPL would have made a $2B profit for 2009 compared to the $2B loss they declared in 2008 when it agreed to pay six per cent across the board in December 2009.”
NAACIE’s General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph, said that workers from across the country, including Essequibo and Berbice, were involved in the action.
The union also pointed out that GPL is also currently directly employing 200 less workers and has promised to pay an increase for the fewer workers based on a new job evaluation, even as there is additional work and responsibility being present.
“The promised payment has not been made. The union is very perturbed by this slave-like condition. While the company is refusing to make an offer for increase, it is continuing to make huge profits. The union stands behind its members in their struggle for better wages.”
Meanwhile, GPL in its own release, said that the strike action was called without notice. “…Members of NAACIE, particularly from our networks (Transmission and Distribution and Generation Departments have taken industrial action from 07:00hrs today (yesterday).”
The power company said that GPL and NAACIE have been meeting over the past weeks on increases in salaries and allowance for 2010 but while some progress has been made, no agreement has been reached.
“NAACIE is fully aware of the procedure which has to be followed leading to industrial action in an essential service but this knowledge has not informed its action or that of its members.” GPL warned that its workers involved in the “illegal action” are aware of the options available to GPL.
According to GPL, actions have been taken to limit the disruption to GPL’s service with a commitment given to keep consumer abreast of developments.
Late yesterday, the union decided to call off the strike following the intervention of the Labour Ministry.

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