GPL, NAACIE labour dispute…Arbitration proceedings to begin March 25

Mar 13, 2013 News

The labour dispute arbitration proceedings involving Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are slated to begin on March 25.

NAACIE General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph

Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE, during a brief interview with this publication yesterday, said that this was decided on Monday last when both parties met with the arbitration tribunal and discussed the terms of the proceedings.
The power company and union will be submitting memoranda outlining their positions on March 20.
On February 27, GPL’s employees started a six-day protest over a five percent all-inclusive package. This included a one percent across the board pay increase. The Union found that unacceptable and demanded an eight percent across the board increase.
GPL has emphasised that it cannot afford the union’s demands. The company claims to be burdened by high fuel prices. In addition, GPL may have to increase its contribution to the employees’ pension fund with the Hand In Hand Trust Company.
NAACIE believes that the company could afford to pay the demanded increase because it recently accessed an $11B loan.
Intervening in the dispute, Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopual facilitated a meeting with both parties. They were given two days to ponder on the discussions and to decide on a feasible outcome. However, they stood their ground and the Minister ruled that the matter must be sent to arbitration.
The arbitration tribunal comprises Justice Prem Persaud; Dr. Gobind Ganga, Deputy Governor of Bank of Guyana; and Grantley Culbard, former General Secretary of Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union.
“When you reach at this point you keep your cards to your chest. We understood the terms of reference created by the Labour Minister,” Joseph asserted.
He opined that the tribunal would be looking to see if the company breached the agreement and whether the company should pay increases for 2012.
The Trade Unionist related that on Monday it was decided that the Union will be speaking first at the hearings.
GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal refused to give a comment to the media, claiming that the arbitration tribunal prohibited parties from speaking with the media concerning the issue.
He indicated that if Joseph wants to speak to the media and be a politician that is his prerogative.