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GPL strike off

Mar 05, 2013 News

… matter to go to arbitration

 

Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) employees who were on strike for six days will return to work today. The National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) will move swiftly to have the matter adjudicated.
The Union representing hundreds of employees, and the GPL management, were unable to come to a compromise for the benefit of the workers.
Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul has instructed that the employees end their strike and return to work today so that the matter could be sent to arbitration.
The strike saw the closure of the power company’s commercial offices.
According to General Secretary of NAACIE, Kenneth Joseph, the Minister’s decision is law so the Union has no say in accepting or rejecting this decision.
On Wednesday last, employees with guidance from the Union downed tools over a five percent across the board all inclusive package. This included a one percent across the board increase. This has been rejected by the Union which is demanding an eight percent across the board increase.
But, GPL is adamant in its position claiming that it cannot afford the five percent package being offered much less the eight percent. It claims that high fuel price is a burden. In addition it may have to increase its contribution to the employees’ pension fund with the Hand In Hand Trust Company.
However, the Union is of a different contention. NAACIE believes that the company could afford to pay the demanded increase because it recently accessed a $11B loan.
On Friday, Dr. Gopaul who was facilitating talks with the parties when the strike erupted invited representatives of both parties to renew discussions.
There, the parties restated their positions and were given the weekend to ponder a feasible outcome.
As expected, the Union and GPL stood their grounds with neither parties wanting to compromise. However, the outcome will now be decided by a panel of adjudicators.
Dr. Gopaul said that a panel of experienced arbitrators in industrial relations and more particularly with GPL has been selected. He did not disclose their names but said that appointment letters will soon be dispatched.

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